When I was eight-years-old, I started studying classical music–Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Chopin, Tchaikovsky–and the whole gamut. My favorite was Rachmaninoff, who was of Russian ancestry, and I thought of my grandmother who was Russian, too.
She left Russia to escape the pogroms, the long history of anti-Jewish violence in the East European borderlands beginning with the pogroms of 1881-1882 in the Russian Empire and concluding in Poland on the eve of World War II. She ended up in Paris for 6 months before sailing to America. When asked where she was born, she said “France.” A novel sense of humor, no doubt!
I wrote the musical score, to her disappointment, for our Russian-themed high school play because her memories of the pogroms were so difficult. I still remember how I played it, but I didn’t play it for my grandmother. She wouldn’t even see Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway.
Meanwhile, I finally switched to “popular” music after 6 years–mostly rock and roll–and I played any song (by ear) without music. I joined a band when I was past 60-years-old–just me and my keyboard. It’s called The Backstrokes and it’s headed by Anne Tillinghaus who is the band’s director. (If you’re interested in joining the band, write me an email. My email address is on my blurb beneath every blog post).
The purpose of the band is community engagement of brain-damaged people who had a strokes or traumatic brain injury (TBI) who get together as a sing-along while playing music. And don’t worry if you forgot how to play an instrument. Anne has plenty of caracas.Â
Now for today’s topic: The value of Music Therapy.
Music therapy is one of the most enjoyable and necessary tools for people recovering from brain injuries. It makes no difference if the injury is from a stroke, TB, or other neurological complications. Music can stimulate various parts of the brain at the same time, especially areas involved in movement, attention, memory, emotion, and speech.
The brain uses music which travels to the auditory region to areas responsible for emotion, memory, and executive function. This activation helps create new neural pathways, essentially helping the brain “rewire” itself through a process called neuroplasticity.
For example, learning a musical instrument requires memory, coordination, and concentration, which can embolden cognitive abilities. Even simply listening to familiar music can inspire memory recall and help maintain cognitive function. Music therapy sessions might involve:
- Music engages both hemispheres of the brain
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Rhythms, melodies, and lyrics can rebuild new neural pathways—especially helpful after parts of the brain are damaged
- Learning simple percussion patterns to improve attention span
- Using musical memory games to reinforce recall
- Following musical sequences to improve processing speed
- Using rhythm to help organize thoughts and improve executive function
Physical Recovery:
Because our motor systems naturally respond to musical rhythm, this process is particularly powerful, and physical and occupational therapy using music might include:
- Playing simple instruments to enhance fine motor skills
- Walking to rhythmic beats to improve stability
- Using musical tempos to pace movements
- Incorporating dance-like movements to improve balance
- Playing uncomplicated instruments to enhance fine motor skills
- Gradually increasing pace to improve coordination
Speech and Language Recovery:
Musical and language processing share neural resources, but musical abilities often remain intact after brain injury. The techniques used include:
- Practicing melodic patterns that mirror speech tonality
- Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) helps people with aphasia (speech loss after stroke) use music and rhythm to speak again
- Singing familiar songs to access word recall
- Using rhythm to help with speech timing and fluency
- Gradually transitioning from singing to speaking
- Using musical instruments to practice breath control needed for speech
- Singing detours around the damaged speech areas and accesses emotional and melodic circuits
Emotional and Psychological Benefits:
Brain injury often points to necessary emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, and frustration. Music therapy helps address these issues through:
- Using music for emotional expression when words are difficult
- Providing familiar music to create comfort and security
- Familiar songs can trigger old memories or support forming new ones.
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Music with a steady beat can increase focus during tasks
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Creating opportunities for success and achievement
- Music helps with sequencing, timing, and transitions, all significant areas affected by brain injury
- Using a non-verbal outlet for processing trauma
- Implementing relaxation techniques with calming music
- Building self-esteem through musical accomplishments
Social Connection and Community Integration:
The social facets of music therapy are vital for recovery. Group activities might include:
- Family involvement in music therapy sessions
- Participating in music ensemblesÂ
- Group singing sessions
- Musical games that require interaction
- Shared listening experiences
- Community music events
Implementation and Progress:
Music therapy programs are typically tailored to each individual’s needs and abilities. Treatment usually progresses through stages:
- Initial assessment of musical ability and response
- Setting specific therapeutic goals
- Selecting appropriate musical activities
- Regular evaluation of progress
- Adjusting techniques as recovery progresses
Long-term Benefits:
- Improved quality of life
- Better emotional regulation
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Stronger social connections
- Greater independence in daily activities
- Continued engagement with music as a coping tool
Research continues to show that music therapy can be particularly effective because it’s:
- Generally enjoyable for patients
- Non-invasive
- Adaptable to different ability levels
- Capable of addressing multiple recovery areas at the same time
- Calming music reduces stress hormones like cortisol including:
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- Provides emotional release without needing words
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Rhythmic music tempers breathing and heart rateReduces irritability and frustration
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Supports movement and coordination
Types of Music Therapy You Can Try:
| Type | What You Do | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Listen to playlists based on mood | Mood, memory |
| Singing therapy | Sing simple or familiar songs | Speech, memory |
| Instrument use | Use chimes and keyboards, for example | Motor, rhythm |
| Songwriting or lyric therapy | Write or adapt lyrics to express yourself | Emotional expression |
| Movement to music | Tap and move with rhythm even when seated | Motor coordination |
The key to successful music therapy is consistency, always working within the person’s abilities while gently forcing them to improve. Music therapy should be controlled by certified music therapists who can properly assess the treatment regimen and adjust as needed.
Hans Christian Anderson, that magical storyteller, once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.”
Isn’t it so, especially for the brain damaged.
