Tuning In: How Music Connects, Heals, and Transforms

As a music therapist, I believe deeply in the power of music to change lives. But what kind of music are we talking about? Music is a vast and variable art form – spanning genres, cultures, and modes of engagement. To understand its therapeutic potential, we need to first explore its diversity.

Your Musical Landscape

Let’s try something together. Take two or three minutes and jot down as many pieces of music as you can think of. Don’t overthink it, just write.

Got your list? Now take a look. What did you write down?

Maybe it includes pop songs you heard on the radio today, pieces from your music lessons, a movie soundtrack, maybe even a ringtone. Perhaps you listed folk songs, Gregorian chants, jazz standards, or techno beats. The possibilities are endless! And that’s the point.

Music as a Cultural Mirror

Music reflects a vast universe of sound, shaped by diverse cultural and artistic heritages. Nearly every culture in human history has developed its own musical language. Through globalization, these styles have blended, creating rich musical fusions.

Take American jazz, for example. Jazz is rooted in African rhythms, influenced by Latin beats, and has itself influenced and evolved into genres like hip hop, reggae, and R&B. This artistic evolution, as well as the evolutions in other musical styles, has given us music that resonates with us personally and culturally.

Music in Therapy: More Than Just Preference

In music therapy, we talk about “client-preferred music.” But it’s more than just what someone likes. It’s about music that resonates deeply, music that helps clients explore their emotions, memories, and identities.

Often, this includes music from childhood, adolescence, or cultural traditions. But assumptions can be misleading. The therapist’s role is to discover music that is:

• Culturally meaningful

• Stylistically preferred

• Emotionally resonant

• Appropriate for the therapeutic goal

Choosing Music Intentionally

You can apply this approach in your own life, too. If a piece of music makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself why. You might choose to explore that discomfort, or decide to let it go and not engage with that music anymore. It’s your choice.

Ask yourself:

• Does this music make me feel anxious or angry?

• Does it motivate unhealthy behaviors?

• Or does it bring peace, joy, or connection?

Music that energizes you might be perfect for a workout. Music that soothes you might help during stressful moments. The key is intentionality.

Find What Moves You

There’s a whole world of music out there. Some of it will never speak to you, and some of it will fill your life with joy. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your usual playlists. You might just discover something that helps you make your life better.