Musical Healing

Music therapy is an established health profession that uses music as a means to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. This alternative therapy is based on the understanding that the ability to respond to music is an inborn human quality. Indian classical ragas as well as Western classical music are known to have proven healing effects that stimulate the brain, ease tension and offer a host of benefits for children and adults who have learning disabilities, stroke patients as well as for people with mental illnesses. While the effect of music therapy may not be immediate, it has been scientifically proven as an alternative form of healing, and is fast becoming a popular form of treatment today.

A career in music therapy

Music therapists focus on developing an increased sense of self-awareness with the aim of enhancing the client’s quality of life. During each session, both the client and the therapist play an active role. While clients are encouraged to improvise using a range of instruments including their own voice to explore the world of sound, at times an integral part of the session includes the therapist playing precomposed music. Certain ragas are known to treat particular ailments, both of the physical and mental kind.
According to Dr M Hari Haran, Chairman, Society for Music Therapy Research and Music Education in Pondicherry, “In countries like the USA, Australia, South Korea and Japan, music therapy is fully accredited as a form of curative treatment. The World Music Therapy Congress formulates the method of music therapy. So my institution works in a similar format to that of the WMTC and is trying to get music therapy streamlined in India.”

Requirements

To be eligible to apply for these courses, one must have a sound knowledge of music. Alternative therapists, doctors and certified musicians can also apply. A formal qualification in Indian classical music is an added advantage.
Personal qualifications such as a genuine interest in people as well as a desire to help others empower themselves are crucial to become a music therapist. Patience, empathy, creativity and the ability to use the imagination to the fullest are also desirable qualities.
MET offers a six-month, part-time certificate course that introduces the theoretical and practical side of music therapy. However, only those with a sound knowledge of music can apply. The Chennai School of Music Therapy offers a post-graduate diploma course as well as a part-time certificate programme in music therapy. Both these schools have certified treatment clinics, which are used for practicals.

Music Therapy Institutes

• MET Institute, Mumbai (Rs. 9,000)
• Chennai School of Music Therapy (Rs. 30,000- Rs. 60,000)