What is music therapy?
“Music therapy can be defined as a technique that uses the elements of music (rhythm, sound, melody, harmony) and music itself as tools to open channels of communication. Furthermore, music therapy is applied in different fields (pedagogical and therapeutic, for example). In this context, music is considered not for its technical qualities or for its aesthetic aspects (although the latter are not neglected) but as a “language”. What emotions and feelings can I express with music? What do I feel through it? What does listening to it arouse in me?”
What you have just read is Rolando Benenzon’s definition of music therapy.
As a music therapist in training, I fully embrace and share this definition, which presents in a complete way what is the wonderful and complex world of music therapy.
I’m on a journey in music therapy
I decided to start studying music therapy to combine my professional skills, those of speech therapist, singer and vocal trainer. During my training I really realized how the therapeutic component (speech therapy) of my personal training supported the musical one (singer and local trainer) and vice versa. Studying and deepening the music therapy area, moreover, has enriched me enormously as a speech therapist and singer, bringing me contributions related to the management of space/time and the sound/musical element in daily practice.
I am currently completing my exams and internship, my next goal is to graduate and put all the new skills acquired to the service of the world.
I am sure that even you who are on the other side of the screen will be able to benefit from one more music therapist in the world!
Laura Terrile 