Many people assume that music therapy is used for people with developmental disorders; to stimulate parts of their brain, help them feel happy and develop social skills too. Those people are also often surprised to learn that almost everyone can benefit in some way from music therapy, even if they are in an unconscious state, or deaf.

The vast majority of people's brains are 'wired' so that they respond to music in an emotional way, as well as logically and creating music as well as listening to it evokes a range of mental processes that can significantly improve brain function, mood and social skills. The benefits transcend brain activity too and even the ability to hear. Music is caused by vibrations, we only sense music because it makes our eardrum vibrate but the vibrations of music have other effects on our bodies too. It can change the way our heart beats, alter the way blood flows around our body and ultimately change how calm we feel. Dance music is associated with clubs, energy and excitement because that's the way it makes our bodies feel. When played loud it makes our hearts beat a little faster and our bodies become more energetic. Some classical music, on the other hand, soothes both our brains and our bodies, slows down our physical processes and can even help promote sleep. It's because of these vibrations that music therapy can be used to help the deaf understand music and learn how to create it. Also, people in intensive care or in comas have physical responses to the vibrations of music which can trigger conscious thought and speed up their recovery.

Music therapy is used for all ages and all abilities. Even in the womb music is thought to help stimulate parts of an unborn baby's brain and playing them the same songs when they are born is reported to help soothe them better than any other. This kind of therapy is most commonly used for children and adults with disabilities and diseases, who may be lacking in a certain area of their life that can only be awaken or soothed with music. For the mentally retarded, practicing how to create music is especially helpful as it creates pathways in the brain linked to motor skills and logic. The confidence boost felt when someone manages to create what they perceive as a 'good' piece of music is essential too; they will be confident enough to try new things if they think they find they're capable of it. Also, again, creating music in a group is a valuable experience for all children as it teaches you how to work as a team and show people what you think sounds good.

Music therapy, whether carried out alone in your living room with a CD of classic music, or carried out in a group where you make your own songs with various instruments, is a very valuable experience. While some of us are unable to speak, understand everyday things, walk, run, swim, see or even hear music is the thing that transcends those things and evokes a reaction for everyone, in one way or another.

Stan Tian

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