We care about music.
It is interesting to know that Aristotle considered music to be a branch of mathematics, and Islamic philosophers have also accepted this view, such as Abu Ali Sina, who mentioned music in the mathematics section of the Book of Healing. However, since all the characteristics of music, like mathematics, are not certain and unchangeable, but rather the taste and instinct of the composer and musician are fully involved in it, they also consider it an art. In any case, music today is a broad science and art that has various and specialized sections. Music is the art of expressing emotions through sounds that cause transformation in living beings. The most important factors in music are sound and rhythm, and in fact, the science of music causes expansion and revolution of the flow and is an art that arises from the arrangement of sounds. And it has a biological and physiological relationship with the human brain. Music is a cognitive need through which a world of beauty, mystery, sound, harmony and unity of elements is created in which the mind enjoys entering new images, inspiration and the creation of new thoughts. Music is, above all, an emotional and sentimental need. As it quickly stimulates the brain’s emotional system, using music to provide and promote health, especially in an era when humans need to deal with the diverse and complex stresses of the modern world more than ever, is a way to reconnect music to fundamental needs and enrich lifestyles.
History of Music Therapy: The history of music therapy is almost as old as human civilization. Ancient Greek philosophers, like the North American Indians, believed that music could accelerate the healing process of diseases, and even in the Paleolithic era, vocalizations and rhythmic movements were present in most rituals and ceremonies, and in general, music in the healing of patients has very ancient roots. But music therapists were first granted official certification in the 1940s, and in the 1950s, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) was founded – albeit under a different name. Since then, music therapy has been introduced as an independent field at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and graduates known as music therapists have entered society and worked in hospitals, medical centers, and rehabilitation centers for the disabled.
The role of music in the rehabilitation of the mentally disabled: In this method, the therapist begins the session with a song and after singing a few songs, asks the clients to discuss the themes in the songs. Then, the therapist improvises a song using the words and phrases expressed in the discussion by the participants and sings it as the final conclusion of the session. And the final song is considered a positive conclusion. This is a group music therapy method.
Music and guided imagery method: This method is used for clients who have fewer psychological problems and are more seeking self-realization and self-awareness. In this method, the client listens to a musical melody in a relaxed state and gradually engages in positive mental imagery with or without the help of a therapist. This method is mainly based on humanistic psychological principles. The Orff-Scholwerk clinical method: This method was developed using the music education program of Carl Orff, a great contemporary musician, and is used in the United States, especially in working with mentally retarded and autistic children. In this method, body movements, rhythm, singing, musical language and its instruments are used in a group setting.
The clinical method of Orff-Schulwerk especially uses recurring themes and rhythm is the starting point for making music. The use of percussion instruments such as drums can stimulate even the most restless children. The above clinical approach tries to provide these children with concrete and tangible education through step-by-step instruction and successive approximations. The role of music in the rehabilitation of the mentally disabled: The use of music is very effective in the rehabilitation of the mentally disabled. Although this use is less targeted and has a regular structure, it is better for educators who work with people with mental disabilities to use instruments to teach music from its therapeutic aspects. That makes it easier for children to play and attract them. Orff instruments are usually the most suitable instrument for teaching exceptional children, including the mentally disabled; these instruments come in a variety of sounds and sizes.
Musical activities at the House of Vahdat:
One of the most important methods of rehabilitation and education for the children living in this home is musical activities; these children are filled with passion and ability when they sing. Voice, sounds, and rhythmic movements can activate their imagination and dreams; Rhythm and song reduce their worries, eliminate their inability to communicate with the environment, and make the suffering of being away from home and its people more bearable for them.
The use of music in rehabilitation
Given that music processing in the brain takes place in different areas than those involved in the perception of other sounds, including speech, today music therapy, as a complementary treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, strengthens communication levels and physical coordination, and in people with neurological disorders and speech disorders who also suffer from mental and physical problems, It improves mental and physical functions. Music therapy may also be very useful in caring for people with intellectual learning disabilities or speech and hearing disorders. Music therapy improves health and enhances the quality of life in the community where people with disabilities live.
“Music therapy consists of evidence-based interventions and a process in which the therapist uses music and all its physical, emotional, psychological, social, spiritual, and aesthetic aspects to help improve the physical, mental, and emotional state of the client.”
To teach music to the mentally disabled, there are a few basic points to consider:
Types of programs in music therapy
At Vahdat Charity, the type of music therapy programs and activities depends on the type of discomfort, defect, and problem of the mentally disabled person. For example, in mentally disabled people who have motor problems, rhythmic programs that help their motor control are more considered. Now, if the movement problem is accompanied by muscle contraction and spasm, gentle rhythms and music are chosen, thus strengthening motor control. Also, disabled people who are more fluent need musical programs that have a projective effect and discharge emotions more.
Music therapy sessions are usually composed of small, similar groups, and the more similar the participants’ circumstances, the more common goals and plans there will be, and this helps to further coordinate and strengthen the group.
Of course, mentally disabled people with different abilities can be included in the music therapy category, but it is important that they are not too far apart in terms of IQ so that there is more coordination in carrying out exercises and programs. The length of the course and duration of the sessions depends on the desired therapeutic goals and the individual’s problems. The number of therapy sessions is sometimes several sessions per day and sometimes several sessions per week, and the duration of each session varies depending on the mood of each client.
Disability is a set of physical, mental, social, or a combination of factors that have had an adverse effect on the life of the individual. These factors have caused his/her normal life to be disrupted. Our specialist doctors believe that disabled people should be physically active and mobile, and by doing gentle physical activities, they can improve their overall health.
Goals of exercising for the disabled
Benefits of Exercise for the Disabled
Benefits of exercise for the mentally disabled
