Career as a Music Therapist - ARTSANDENTERTAINMENTARTICLE

Music therapy makes use of the physical and mental healing properties of music to help treat a range of different ailments. Drum therapy came from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming and is a specific type of music therapy. Drum therapy has been scientifically proven to promote healing and is not the new-age fad which may have previously been suggested.

Mongolian shamans and West African healers use drumming in their culture for healing. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Drumming is used by music therapists with patients who find it difficult or impossible to express themselves in other ways.

Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, and have verified that it boosts the immune system and provides exercise. Drumming can activate the body?s natural pain-killing endorphins. Using the aspects of drumming proven to give health benefits, researchers have developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnering with music therapists.

Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain?s hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also reduces the damaging effects of stress. A study of nursing home employees who took part in weekly drumming sessions noticed a stress reduction of about 62%, plus a significant reduction in employee turnover over the following year. An additional study saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while yet another identified discipline improvements among troubled youths.

It is the job of practitioners to make their patients comfortable with instruments. Drum circles can contain participants of varying levels of musical experience, so the less experienced are brought along gradually. Drumming involves the layering of simple patterns in order to create a beautiful and complex tapestry, each individual plays an essential part. While the parts give each participant an opportunity to participate in teamwork, improvisation allows them to express themselves freely and openly. Just as drumming synchronizes the parts of the brain, it brings together the drummers in the circle. A profession as a music therapists can be very rewarding, it provides a different path down which musicians can progress.

Thinking of buying a djembe drum? The Djembe Drum Shop has a number of djembe drums, both modern and traditional, in various sizes and styles ? check out www.djembedrumshop.com.

February 4th, 2012 in Health and Fitness | tags: benefits, career, drum therapy, drumming, emotional, health, Health and Fitness, instruments, music healing, Music therapists, music therapy, patients

Source: http://artsandentertainmentarticle.info/2012/02/career-as-a-music-therapist/

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