Hi, it’s Kriti! Welcome to my Podcast "Kritical Moments".

This episode, "Harmony Within," unravels the symphony of how music can catalyze happiness and mindfulness in our lives. We will explore the magical interplay between the melodies and the mind, discovering how the right notes can uplift spirits and foster a profound sense of presence. From the rhythmic beats of mindfulness to the harmonious chords of joy, join us on a journey through the transformative power of music. So tune in, let the music play, and embark on a melodic exploration of well-being.
 
Listening to music is entertaining, and several studies suggest it makes you healthier. Music can improve mood. In a recent study, participants rated music's ability to help them achieve a better mood and become more self-aware as two of the most important functions of music. Another study found that intentionally trying to boost moods by listening to upbeat music could have an impact within two weeks. Music can relax the mind, energize the body, and help people manage pain better.
 
The notion that music can influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors does not come as much as a surprise. Have you ever felt pumped up when listening to your favorite fast-paced music? Or did sad music move you to tears? I have experienced it myself. Then, you can easily understand the power of music to impact moods and even inspire action.
 
The psychological effects of music are potent. Music Therapy is an intervention to help improve your mood and promote mental health.
 
Music can help you by:

1.            Improve Cognitive Performance: Research suggests that background music, while the listener is focused on another activity, can improve performance on cognitive tasks. So next time when you are working on a task, consider having background music; it will boost your mental performance.

2.            Music can reduce stress: Several studies prove that listening to music is an effective way to cope with stress. People who listen to music tend to recover more quickly from stressful situations.

3.            Music can help you with mindful eating: One surprising psychological benefit of music is its use as a weight loss tool. According to one study, people who ate at dimly lit restaurants with soft music in the background consumed less food than those who ate at other restaurants. The research pointed out that music and lighting helped create a more relaxing environment, which must have led to the subjects consuming their food more slowly and being aware when they were full.

4.            Music can improve your memory: Think of your favorite song. Where does it take you? What does it stir up? Music evokes emotions and memories, which is why musical intervention has therapeutic benefits for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Music interventions help decrease patient's agitation and improve communication and caregiver relationships.
Many students enjoy listening to music while studying. Is it a great idea? Research suggests that it may help. In one study, musically naïve students learned better when listening to upbeat music since these songs elicited positive emotions without interfering with memory formation. However, musically trained students learned better when listening to neutral music, probably because it was less distracting and was easier to ignore.

5.            Music can help manage pain: Several studies prove that music is very helpful in managing pain. A 4 week study period of Fibromyalgia patients who listened to music regularly showed a significant reduction in pain compared to the control group who did not listen to music. Such results suggest that music therapy plays an essential tool in the treatment of chronic pain. Research on the effects of music on pain management found that patients who listened to music before, during, or even after surgery experienced less pain and anxiety than those who did not listen to music.

6.            Music will help you sleep better: Insomnia is a severe problem affecting people of all ages. Research has demonstrated that listening to relaxing classical music can be a safe, effective, and affordable remedy.

7.            Music improves motivation: There is a good reason why you find it easier to exercise while listening to music. Researchers have found that listening to fast-paced music motivates people to work harder. If you are trying to stick to a workout routine, consider a playlist with fast-paced tunes that will help boost your motivation and enjoyment of your workout.

8.            Music improves mood: Another benefit is that music makes you happy. Researchers discovered that participants intentionally trying to boost moods by listening to upbeat music described their level of happiness, which increased in just 2 weeks.

9.            Music helps reduce symptoms of depression: Research has proven the benefits of Music Therapy for the treatment of various disorders, including depression. One study found that music therapy was a safe, low-risk way to reduce depression and anxiety in patients suffering from neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Type of music is also crucial for music therapy: Classical music offers the most excellent mood-boosting effect.

10.         Music improves endurance and performance: Another psychological benefit of music is its ability to boost performance. Scientists have discovered that adding a fast-paced musical rhythm could inspire the subjects to pick up the pace of walking or running. Runners can run faster while listening to music, feel more motivated, and have greater endurance. The ideal tempo for workout music is between 125 to 140 beats per minute. Listening to music while working out lowers a person's perception of exertion. Since the music diverts your attention, you will not notice the signs of exertion, like increased respiration, heart rate, sweating, and soreness.
 
How does music affect happiness?
 
Several studies support the healing effects of music. Our favorite melodies release dopamine, the feel-good hormone, which activates our brain's pleasure and reward system.
 
How does music help with mindfulness?
 
Music can enhance mindful listening and awareness by focusing our attention inward. The melody, rhythm, and changes in notes provide an experience that allows us to be more aware of our feelings and sensations. (Van Dort & Grocke,2013; Medcalf 2017)
 
Let me provide you with more insights about music therapy:
 
Whatis music therapy?
 
Music therapy uses music and/or elements of music like sound, rhythm, and harmony to accomplish goals, like reducing stress or improving quality of life. A music therapist is a healthcare provider who talks to you to learn more about your needs, music preferences, and experiences and designs each session specifically for you. They also evaluate your progress at each step and may work with other healthcare providers to coordinate your care.
 
The number of sessions you have, the length of each, and what you do depends on your needs and goals. Music therapy experiences may include singing, playing instruments, or writing music. Some sessions may involve listening to music and talking about its meaning. Healthcare providers use music as therapy in many contexts, including at the bedside for people in hospitals. However, music therapy is not the same as listening to music to help you relax. Music can certainly be a powerful tool for calming and healing. However, the definition of clinical music therapy states that a qualified music therapist must plan and lead the session within a therapeutic relationship to qualify as this form of treatment. Music Therapy helps people of all ages (Children, Adolescents, and adults) and from all walks of life.
 
What conditions can music therapy manage?
 
Music therapists use music to manage a vast range of conditions. It is used as a complementary therapy, part of a treatment plan that includes medications or other interventions. Research shows that music therapy can offer benefits to people with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, Parkinson's disease, cancer, Autism, mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, acute and chronic pain, and substance use disorders.
 
Where does music therapy take place?
 
Music therapy takes place in many different settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, senior centers, outpatient clinics, mental health centers, residences for people with developmental disabilities, treatment facilities for people with substance abuse, and correctional facilities. Your music therapist will work with you to identify goals and design appropriate experiences for your session. They will consider 1. Your music preferences and interests 2. Age and developmental level 3. Your physical and cognitive abilities 4. Your trauma triggers
 
What happens during a music therapy?
 
Your music therapist will guide you in making and/or listening to music during your session. You may do one or more of the following:
1.      Create music: You compose music, write lyrics or make up music together
2.      Sing : You use your voice to share a piece of music
3.      Play an instrument: You use an instrument like guitar, drums, or piano to share music
4.      Improvise: You and your therapist work together to make music and sounds that reflect how you feel. This may involve singing and/or playing musical instruments.
5.      Move to music: This can be a simple as tapping your tongue together or as complicated as a coordinated dance.
6.      Listen to music: With directed listening, your therapist makes music or plays a recording, and you listen to it. You then talk about the music and use it to help process your emotions or experiences. Your therapist may also play music to relax you, using the rhythm to guide breathing or stretching.
7.      Discuss lyrics: You read or listen to the lyrics of a song and talk about their meaning.
 
 
What are the potential benefits of music therapy?
 
The benefits you gain depend on the condition or symptoms you are treating and your goals for music therapy. Music therapy can help you relax, explore your emotions, reduce anxiety or depression, ease your stress levels, regulate your mood, strengthen your communication skills, improve speaking and language skills, build social skills, strengthen your self-confidence, help you form healthy coping skills, develop your problem-solving skills, reduce perceived levels of pain, improve your physical coordination, motor functions, and movement, improve your quality of life.
 
 
How can you become a Music Therapist?
 
In the US, you can become a music therapist by: 
 
It would help if you had a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy or a Master's Degree in Music Therapy. Your curriculum will include music, music therapy, psychology, and biology classes. You will also have to complete 1,200 hours of clinical training, which provides health care or educational internships. You get certification by taking a national exam by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Passing the exam will give you a Music Therapist Board Certified Credential (MT-BC). You will need to engage in professional development activities to stay certified.
 
I want to let you know that I volunteer for a non-profit organization called "Crescendo for a Cause," which we used to perform at assisted living facilities and veterans' homes before COVID-19. During the pandemic, we shifted our music performance to virtual performances. We had great feedback from the memory care departments of several assisted living facilities about how our music helped uplift the residents' spirits. I believe in the power of music and music therapy.
 
"As we reach the final notes of this episode on how music can be a halo for happiness and mindfulness, let the melodies linger in your thoughts. Remember, in the universal language of music, we find not just sounds but a pathway to joy and presence. Whether it is the soothing cadence of a ballad or the uplifting rhythm of an anthem, let the music be your companion in this journey of well-being. Carry the harmonies into your days, finding solace in the notes and rhythm of life. Until our next episode, may your moments be filled with the symphony of happiness and mindfulness. This is "Harmony Within," signing off."
 
Below, I have listed some colleges offering BA and/or MA degrees in Music Therapy. Some notable institutions include:
 
1.            Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
Offres a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
 
2.            Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Provides both Undergraduate and Graduate programs in Music Therapy
 
3.            New York University (New York City, NY)
Offers a Master of Arts in Music Therapy
 
4.            Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
Provides a Master of Music Therapy
 
5.            Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
Offers a bachelor of Music Therapy
 
6.            Indiana University-Purdue University (Indianapolis IUPUI, IN)
Provides a Master of Music Therapy
 
7.            Molloy College (Rockville Centre, NY)
Offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in Music Therapy