There must hardly be any soul on this planet who does not like music. 

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The music preferences of people may vary; some may like silent music, some may like romantic melodies, some may like classical music, and few enthusiastic ones may like rock music! Here are some of the Music Theory benefits.

Music to the brain is what heart is to the body! However, did you know that music theory can have a healing effect on the body? Surprised! Don’t be! Indian history is rich with stories of famous singers and musicians, few of whom (Tansen) were capable of bringing rain from clouds or even lighting an oil lamp with their ragas.

So, what exactly do we mean by music theory? How can it influence us emotionally and
physically?

Music theory refers to a clinical and evidence-based practice of music interventions with a view to achieving individualized therapeutic goals by an accredited professional who has completed an approved music theory program. In such a therapy, music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs
of individuals.

This objective can be achieved by improving the following skills:

• Social (eye contact, taking initiative, and self-esteem)
• Cognitive (concentration, attention, imitation, and sequencing)
• Communication (vocal/verbal sounds and gesture)
• Sensory (touch, listening, and levels of awareness)
• Emotional (nonverbal expression of emotions)
• Physical (fine and gross body movements)

Once the strengths and needs of each individual are assessed, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment, which includes creating, singing, and/or listening to music.

Music theory also helps reinforce the abilities of an individual which can then be transferred even to other areas of their lives. It can also provide a communication pathway, which can be extremely helpful, to individuals who find it tough to express themselves in words.

What happens in a music theory session?

There is no such concept as a ‘typical music theory’ session. Every single session is customized based on the age of the participating individual, population involved, and the setting where such a session is being conducted.

However, the following components remain common in almost every music theory session:

The starting point (opening)

Every therapist likes to open the session in a formal way. It could involve singing a ‘welcome/hello song,’ especially when working with children; moving around in a circle to engage everyone, or starting with a review of what occurred in the previous session. The opening session sets the stage and tone for the future session.

Interventions

Interventions have a lion’s share in the music theory session. Each intervention is designed to target a specific therapeutic goal.

The four most common types of music-based interventions involve

• Performance (singing or playing an instrument)
• Composition (the process of an individual or group songwriting)
• Improvisation (making music on the spot)
• Reception (listening to music,experiencing relaxation, and evaluation of the lyric).

Ideally, a music therapy session may incorporate multiple interventions or just one intervention (but long and in depth).

The ending point (closing)

Everything that begins has to end! Just as the session opens with a welcome song, it ends with a goodbye/closing song (which hints at the participants that the music session is over now). It can involve an activity where
all participants stand up and then conclude the proceedings.

Who All Can Benefit From Music Therapy

Music therapy can benefit children, young people, and adults who have:

• Emotional, behavioral, or well-being issues
• Mental health issues
• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities or progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• Neurological disorders which include stroke and other acquired brain injury conditions
• Terminal illness or life-limiting conditions
• Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

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