‘Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not’
The Tempest – Act 3 Scene 2
The world around us is teaming with life that uses rhythm, movement sequences, and song/call patterns to communicate.
Early humans had an intimate relationship with this soundscape, learning to recognise and interpret these forms of communication in order to hunt and keep safe from predators. Studies of brain development from such people as Ian Gilchrist - 'His Master and His Emmisary' suggests that musical communication was most likely a precursor to our spoken languages.
Music conveys primal feelings that are at the core of all human experience. It crosses cultural divides and reaches deep into our evolutionary past.
Scientists, Samuel Mehr, Manvir Singh and Luke Glowacki at Harvard University in 2019 published a comprehensive scientific study on music as a cultural phenomenon. Manvir Singh, carried out field work amongst indigenous peoples and discovered that music was an integral part of every society observed. Music was being used for various purposes such as storytelling, ceremonies, and celebration.
Music has the power to convey emotions and feelings that are difficult to describe in words but can be instantly understood by others, crossing language barriers.
Various studies have shown that music facilitates social bonding – particularly in relation to communal singing. This phenomena is due to the release of powerful social bonding hormones oxytocin and endorphins brought on by the synchronistic nature of shared rhythm, movement and breathing patterns.
It supports people with neurodiversity by providing alternative forms of communication and expression. It can help them to feel part of a group but can also allow them to express their individuality.
A most startling and recent example was Lucy who, despite her severe autism and blindness, was able to express herself to others through her wonderful piano performances on the most recent series of The Piano. Performances that elicited tears and delight from her audiences.
Music is a truly immersive activity that can support to tune out intrusive thoughts and reduce anxiety. As with any skill it can build confidence and enhance quality of life.
Music can tap into various emotional states and is cathartic. It can be used to express and release painful, difficult feelings. Kelis - ‘I hate you so much right now’ and Johnny Cash – ‘I hurt Myself Today’ – as disturbing examples. The former example even more shocking perhaps because it is a woman expressing high levels of raw anger.
However, musical choices can also give real pleasure releasing endorphins, boosting mood and helping to ease depression and relieve stress.
Music is a powerful tool that can be used to lead a value-added life, a key to understanding ourselves and our relation with others.
How music can be used within the therapeutic session.
The types of music we listen to and the reasons why we love certain sound tracks can lead to some deeply personal and meaningful conversations. It can be helpful in providing a safe route to discuss beliefs, values and spiritual sensibilities.
Music can link us back to our cultural roots but it can also provide the backing track to a great deal of personal upheaval and change. Music communicates messages and stories that provide new possibilities and ways of seeing the world. It has the power to introduce people to a new culture or identity.
Pieces of music can evoke the subconscious and provide opportunities for clients to discuss difficult emotions and feelings. It provides strong links to specific and significant events in a person’s life and therefore can help clients access important memories and help them to gain deeper personal insight.
A song or piece of music can embody the character or spirit of a person and aids conversations around a significant other who has died or is estranged. When used sensitively it can aid the grieving process.
There are so many ways in which music enriches therapeutic conversations but hopefully these examples offer a taster to be followed up in future blogs.
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