Even before birth we are attuned to the tone and rhythm of our mother's heartbeat and voice. Music and sound can move us in profound ways and it's a language anyone can speak. From toddlers with special needs to people overcoming eating disorders, even palliative care patients, music is a powerful medicine.
Music Therapist Pip Algie. Photo: Photo by Stan Alley
In the hands of music therapists rhythm, tone and melody become tools to heal and strengthen. Yadana Saw meets some of our best music therapists and the people they work with.
Related links
- Infographic: the neuroscience of music - learn more about how the brain processes music and why music therapy works.
- Music therapist Claire Molyneaux
- Music helping to heal body, mind and soul
- Musical therapy at yoga festival Wanderlust
- One In Five profile the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre (2014)
- Alexandra singing stars
- The Canterbrainers Choir
- Christchurch's Therapeutic Choir
- CeleBRation Choir - NZ's first choir offering music therapy for people with neurological conditions
- Music Therapy at BLENNZ
- Music 101 profiles the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre (2009)