The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) recently released
a report entitled “Music Therapy and Military Populations: A Status Report and
Recommendations on Music Therapy Treatment, Programs, Research, and Practice
Policy.” The report highlights several music
therapy programs currently provided to the military as well as research
emphasizing the efficacy of music therapy for military populations.
A major aspect of the report, which I found particularly
interesting, was outlining the evolution of music therapy in the military. From
the report:
“The roots of music therapy in the military span over 70
years of service in the United States. This legacy covers the entire continuum
of care among service members, veterans, and their families. Music therapy
services are an integral part of treatment delivered in military treatment
facilities and VA medical centers throughout the country. Music therapy evolved
from the early provision of music in military hospitals, to adjunctive
treatment, to the delivery of evidence-based interventions.”
Consequently, the roots of music therapy are grounded in the
military and the AMTA hopes to continue the tradition by increasing access to
music therapy for today’s active duty and veteran populations. In addition, the opportunity for research
within military health facilities concerning music therapy is abundant and
underutilized.
This is an important report since it provides a framework
for policymakers and program developers on the rationale behind music therapy
as well as how to incorporate it for military populations. This is especially
relevant for San Diego, where there is a large military population. The several benefits of music therapy make it
an ideal treatment for military populations because it enhances recovery from
physical, mental, and emotional injuries. As a safe and non-invasive form of
treatment, music therapy has the potential to heal people through music,
regardless of health status.
