Music therapists are trained to use their first study instrument in
clinical practice, yet existing literature focuses almost exclusively on
the use of piano, basic percussion and voice.
This illuminating book brings together international music therapists
who use a diverse range of musical instruments in their clinical work:
the clarinet, the piano accordion, the flute, the cello, the trumpet and
flugelhorn, the bassoon, the violin, the viola, the harp, the guitar,
lower brass instruments (the trombone and the euphonium), the oboe, the
saxophone and bass instruments (double bass and bass guitar). Each
therapist reflects on their relationship with their instrument and the
ways in which they use it in therapeutic settings, discussing its
advantages and disadvantages in a variety of clinical populations:
children and adolescents, adults with learning disabilities, adults with
mental health problems and older people.
This will be essential reading for any music therapist or student music
therapist who uses or is interested in using a musical instrument in
their work, and will be of interest to other caring and healthcare
professionals, teachers, musicians and carers wanting to learn more
about instrumental music therapy.