This past fall Future Shop called with a request: “Will you speak to the importance to good quality sound.” This may sound like a no-brainer as it is understood that my job naturally focuses on sound…. however I have to say that the concept of “good quality sound” is rarely on my radar. As a music therapist I concentrate more on a person’s response to sound, silence and music – the response trumps the quality.
However where good quality comes into play is using the right music in the right way in order to generate the best response.
This last week, I also heard the term “distinguished” music a few times and I realized that there is a definite place for creating distinguished music in our culture but that is definitely NOT our business. Our business revolves around the health of a persons spirit and not the development of their musicality. As a music therapy company our staff are certainly musicians (many quite outstanding) but more than that they are super therapists.
So what does this all mean?? – well to me it means the business of music therapy really is to help people achieve their goals – the quality of sound or the making of distinguished music has little to do with it.
Regardless of your age, ability, or affluence in life – music can have tremendous influence over you and music therapists can help you figure out how to use music best for you – making, creating, listening, reflecting…
If you are feeling low, lacking in confidence, needing help with speech after a stroke, wanting to improve your memory or just looking for more meaning in your life – you may want to give music therapy a shot.
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Jennifer Buchanan, BMT, MTA is the happy owner of JB Music Therapy and Author of TUNE IN: Use Music Intentionally to Curb Stress, Boost Morale and Restore Health. Our “Music Speaks” Blog aims to inspire you to use music with greater intention and knowledge and to hire us as required or purchase our products.