"Music therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems."

Much research has been done on the positive effects of Music Therapy.  Research articles can be found on this subject in periodicals such as the journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. 

The AMTA states that, "music is used in general hospitals to: alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication: elevate patients' mood and counteract depression; promote movement for physical rehabilitation; calm or sedate, often to induce sleep; counteract apprehension or fear; and lesson muscle tension for the purpose of relaxation, including the autonomic nervous system."

The AMTA further states that in nursing homes, "music is used with elderly persons to increase or maintain their level of physical, mental, and social/emotional functioning. The sensory and intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person's quality of life."

Music therapy is also used in schools, with special learners, to strengthen communication skills and improve coordination necessary for daily living.

Medically, we understand that music enters the brain in a different area than speech perception.  Therefore, even when someone is not able to understand what is being said, they are still affected by music.  It is due to this that music therapy is used in many hospices to allow for a peaceful passing.

Information on the American Music Therapy Association can be found at:

http://www.musictherapy.org

As devotees, we understand that there is nothing more powerful than hearing.  When the transcendental sound vibration of the holy name of the Lord enters into our ears, heart and soul we become both enlivened and peaceful.  Therefore, the importance of transcendental music cannot be overemphasized. The use of bhajanas and kirtanas are a very powerful therapeutic modality both for creating a peaceful, enlivening environment as well as for the spiritual well-being of the terminally-ill.

When using music therapy the caregiver must be aware of the mood and tone of the patient at any particular time.  At times the devotee may want and need peace and quiet or a soft bhajana, while at other times he or she may want to hear and even participate in an enthusiastic louder kirtana.  When the patient is at the point of being non-responsive or has elapsed into a coma, he or she can still hear and can still be soothed by hearing the Lord's holy names in bhajana.

The following is a link to a Krishna conscious music site.  This is an outside link, please save this page to your favorites before leaving or hit your browser back button to return.

http://chantandbehappy.com/