Making a significant contribution to a theory of music therapy, this book addresses current music therapy debates to do with meaning: are words necessary in creative music therapy? How is clinical improvisation distinct from 'pure' music improvisation? If so, what is the nature of the distinction? How do music therapists address culture-specific nuances in music, and in concepts of healing rituals?The book is in three parts. The first explores concepts and theories developed by music theorists and music psychologists, in order to explore meaning in music as artform, in contrast to music as therapy, concluding with an exploration of the similarities and distinctions between music improvisation whose emphasis is musical, and clinical improvisation whose emphasis is inter-personal, thus addressing the particular acuity that music therapists develop through training and practice. The second part explores the relationship between music and human emotion, in order to establish why, and on what basis, music is used as a therapeutic agent. The third part draws concepts from psychodynamic theory into the music therapy sphere in order to explore meaning, and verbal meaning in music therapy.By drawing extensively from current literature on music and developmental psychology, music therapy, psychotherapy and music theory, this book encourages music therapists not to compromise the musical process at the heart of their practice, not simply to 'borrow' concepts from allied theories, but to use these with authority - the authority that this book seeks to provide.
Music meaning and music therapy - a view from music theory; music therapy and universals - between culture and compromise; with rigour and imagination - music therapy and music psychology; perception, cognition, improvisation a view from music thrapy; in concert - improvisation, cognition and music therapy; meaning in relationship - the music between; songs without words - music in communication; music in dynamic form and dtnamic form in music; meaning in relationships - a view from psychodynamic theory; playing with Winnicott's reality; psychodynamic meaning in music therapy; why do we become therapists?
I found that Pavlicevic gives a wealth of references and resources. It is as if she lays out a presentation of the theoretical possibilities before identifying the ones she herself prefers to use. This combination of exhaustive research with openness of mind strikes me as an excellent approach to any new discipline, not least the arts therapies. I think you should read this book.
