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Technology

and Music
Therapy
Music technology is a medium or
instrument used to enhance the
musical experience in different
ways, such as playing an eletric
instrument, or using an electronic
device to playback, watch,
record, or manipulate a partuclar
sound
(Misje
2013
25)
Technological
change
has
affected the way that we listen to,
and
consume the music as a whole.
Lizzie Brown n9424938
Among
the
context
of
psychology, music has slowly
KMB122 Music and Sound Concepts
integrated its way into formal
Assessment 3
therapy,
this
practice
is
commonly known as Music
Unit Coordinator: Dr Kristina Kelman
Therapy.
Music
therapy
Tutor: Dr. Chris Perren
incorporates a range of music
Semester 1 2015
methods within a therapeutic
relationship and setting that
focuses on the stimulation of the
brain, overall health and
wellbeing. Music therapists can assist their clients in serving their social, cognitive, emotional
and relationshop needs, as well as assisting them in acknowledging their self-image using music
(Misje 2013 52). -. This essay will discuss how music effects brain activity, as well as how the
vast technological changes over the last few decades, such as app development, and computer
programs have benefitted patients in therapy with conditions such as Depression, Anxiety,
Dementia, Parkinsons Disease and Autism. The new and accessbile technological changes
available, such as various apps, games and portable devices available have made for great strides
in improving the conditions and development of people with physical/mental disabilites

Technology and Music


Therapy

Music is directly linked to the brains reward system, and has been shown to produce potent
effects on the human psyche (Landau 2013) The brains reward system, the part of the brain that
sends signals around the body and tells the rest of the human psyche if things are valuable, or
relevant to survival. According to Robert Zatorre, a professor in Neuropsychology, while music
doesnt possess a direct biological survival value, such as exercise and food, it stimulates a part
of the brain, known as the Striatum, which releases the chemical Dopamine in response to
pleasure related stimuli (Landau 2012) When music is played or listened to, the brain is
exercised in a unique way, and according to Dr. Charles Limb, changes the brain. Music is said
to help children and adults alike learn the orders of letters of the alphabet, as songs can tap into
fundamental systems in the brain that are sensitive to melody and beat. The melodies and
rhythms affect the amplitude of brain waves, the breathing rate, and electrical resistance of the
skin. It has also been observed for blood pressure to decrease, pupil dialysis and causes the body
and mind to relax, enabling the listener to concentrate (ODonnell 2009 2) One of the primary
goals of music therapy, is to delve into this reward system Carefully chosen musical pieces,
recorded or to be played are used to help in stress and pain management (Benviste, Jouvelout,
Lecourt, Michel 2009 1). While musical instruments have proven effective in Active Music
Therapy, the use of Smartphones, as well as Tablets, along with the development of various
Applications (or Apps) has increased dramatically.
One of the unquestioned leaders in the forefront of smartphone and tablet technology includes
Apple, and Samsung, and the booming development of apps. The developments in apps that
provide use for therapists has increased dramatically, These apps range from musical
instruments, to sound boards with pre-built soundscapes and instrumental solos, communication
devices, compositional programs and recording devices, with easy to use interfaces without the
need to travel to a full scale studio or use an instrument with formal training. This subset of apps
that have been developed have become increasingly popular among caregivers and clinicians
because they are easily accessible and very affordable (Knight 2013 189) While there is little
research into the benefits of apps in a clinical setting, the software is used primarily if it fits the
model of their evidence-based practice, and also afford additional means of self expression.
These means of technology are used to express a variety of goals in children, adolescents, adults
and the elderly, including physical rehabilitation, enhanced emotional and social expression, and
cognitive development (Clements-Corts 2013 38) The instrumental apps for the tablets or
smartphones can help the therapists create a diverse soundscape and expand the options for
therapists in working with their clients, for example, a Beat-Box app, for Hip Hop music
collaboration and creation and instrument apps, such as a guitar if the client is sensitive to the
feeling of steel strings, or the resonance of an autoharp (Knight 2013 191). The apps, along with
various other methods, such as portable listening devices and instruments, can be adjusted for

patients of varying levels of developmental, or physical disabilities. Along with apps, video game
and computer companies have also made strides in improving their musical technology.
Since the release of the Nintendo Wii system, as well as other computer-related technologies,
therapists have been taking great advantage of the interactive technology for children and adults
with behavioral and physical disabilities develop motor skills and musical skills where they
would otherwise be excluded (Clements-Corts 2013 38) Video games simulating instruments,
such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, were cited as promoting the use of technical motormovement and hand eye co-ordination. The games use specific devices that can be seen as
simplified versions of the guitar, bass and drum set, and as the musical score scrolls through the
screen, they are ranked on their ability to execute the synchronized presses/strokes in time with
the music being played. The ability to set the ranking of difficulty, can be used as a motivational
tool for a client to improve their skills in-game, which may be applicable to playing a real
instrument or their voice, and the commercial success of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, is
evident, that intricate game play is not always necessary to motivate the clientele to become
better musicians, since a hard challenge, can be sufficient (Beneviste Jouvelout Lecourt Michel,
2009 2). Games that allow a voice-performance component- such as sing star, may also improve
breath control, oral motor function, and voice projection. For the Nintendo Wii System, a group
of French psychologists and therapists Samuel Benveniste, Pierre Jouvelot, Edith Lecourt, and
Renaud Michel, developed 2 programs known as Wiimprovisation, targeted towards children
and adolescents with behavioral problems, and MINWii, specifically designed for Alzheimers
and Dementia Patients. While Wiimprovisation is specifically made for usage in a group
setting where the children play in an ensemble, increasing focus, patience and self-control,
MinWii was designed for the elderly subjects to play along, and improvise with a pre-recorded
music. It focuses on the idea to be simplistic and failure free, increasing self- esteem, and reduce
behavioral symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimers.
In conclusion, it is highly evident that the technological developments exhibited in Music
Therapy, can compensate for physical limitations, creating a variety of opportunities for physical,
cognitive and social development. The use of Applications, and video can be motivating for the
client, and allow them to improvise, compose and create their own material. The overall
advances in technology have made many new options and possibilities in psychological
intervention, and will continue to develop and advance in the future. With these technological
advances, music will continue to be used as a window into the functioning of a healthy brain, and
will develop more insights into a plethora of different neurological, physical and psychiatric
dysfunctions.

References
Beneviste, Samuel. Jouvelot, Pierre. Lecourt, Edith. Michel, Renaud.
2009. "Designing Wiimprovisations for Mediation in Group Music
Therapy with Children Suffering from Behavior Disorders." 2-3.
Accessed May 20, 2015.

Clements-Corts, Amy. 2013. "High-Tech Therapy: Music Technology


in Music Therapy." Canadian Music Educator 54 (4):37-39. Accessed
May 17 , 2015.
http://search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/141257
6230/fulltextPDF/25DC27D6B1CA4F2DPQ/1?accountid=13380

Knight, Andrew. 2013. "Uses of iPad Applications in Music Therapy."


Music Therapy Perspectives 31 (2): 189-196. Accessed May 20, 2015.
http://search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/150035
6555?pq-origsite=summon

Landau, Elizabeth. 2013. "This is Your Brain on Music." CNN April 15.
Accessed May 18, 2015.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/15/health/brain-music-research/

Landau, Elizabeth. 2012. Music: Its in your head, changing your


brain. CNN May 18. Accessed May 18, 2015.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/26/health/mental-health/music-brainscience
Misje, Ren. 2013 "Music Technology in Music Therapy." 5-25 Masters
diss., The Grieg Academy Institute of Music .
https://bora.uib.no/bitstream/handle/1956/7133/106753792.pdf?
sequence=1

ODonnell, Laurence. 2011. "Music and The Brain" Accessed May 18,
2015. http://www.moodelevatingmusic.com/articles/article-music-andbrain.pdf.

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