MUSIC, THE EMPATHIC BRIDGE TO COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Van De Wall states that Music is essentially a harmonizer and it tends to make more harmonious the conflicting forces within the mentally ill and even helps to adjust to the laws and customs of society.
In order to get a deeper appreciation for Music Therapy let us turn back the "Pages of Time" and investigate how Music was used as a form of therapy thousands of years ago. It has been established that four thousand years ago the priest-doctors of Egypt had a favorite incantation in Music purported to have a favorable influence on the fertility of women. The Hebrews used Music in several cases of physical and mental illness, the most famous being that of King Saul who at the time had been in a black depression. David was called to the palace to play lively music on his harp which in turn dispelled the depression. Plato also regarded music very highly. In his Republic he stated that health in mind and body could be obtained through Music.