Rick Soshensky presents a groundbreaking introduction to music’s power to heal and transform, weaving a collection of uplifting case studies from his music therapy practice with ideas from spiritual traditions, philosophies, psychological theorists, and music therapy researchers. Going beyond just theoretical and clinical information, The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul’s Truth centers on the stories and experiences of people with disabilities—marginalized people for whom the world allows little time or place but whose extraordinary musical journeys teach us about the unseen depths and indomitability of the human spirit. Soshensky investigates core concepts of a music-centered approach—the experience of music as a creative art with clients that has intrinsic value and supersedes diagnostic labeling and behavioral goal setting. The result is unique and inspirational text that leads us towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of music therapy and music’s spiritual benefits.

Rich with case material, this groundbreaking volume provides a comprehensive overview of music therapy, from basic concepts to emerging clinical approaches. Experts review psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and developmental foundations and describe major techniques, including the Nordoff-Robbins model and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. An expansive section on clinical applications examines music therapy with children and adults, as well as its recognized role in medical settings. Topics include autism spectrum disorder, school interventions, brain injury, and trauma. An authoritative resource for music therapists, the book also shows how music can be used by other mental health and medical professionals. The companion website features audio downloads illustrative of the Nordoff-Robbins model.

Many musicians, music students, and general music lovers are curious about the field of music therapy the who, what, where, and how. This book provides a general overview of the profession, and it includes 26 audition essays, written by former students, confirming their motivation to "do good in the world through music." A career in music therapy combines their love of music with the desire to be of service to others. This book offers both the pragmatic reasons and "feel good" aspects that inspire people to enter this fulfilling profession.

Cathy Malchiodi reviews the hardware and software most pertinent to art therapists and demonstrates how the Internet can be used to conduct research and establish links with other art therapists. She also discusses the ethical and legal issues of communicating online, particularly the confidentiality and copyright of data.

Home recording using computers is one of the fastest growth segments in music. Over a half-dozen new magazines addressing this market have launched in the last five years alone, helping make the computer the dominant tool of the audio industry and the "at home" recordist. With the right software, your computer can be a recorder, mixer, editor, video production system, and even a musical instrument. The Desktop Studio will help you get the most out of your computer and turn it - and you - into a creative powerhouse. It is a fully illustrated, comprehensive look at software and hardware, and provides expert tips for getting the most out of your music computer. Emile Menasche is a writer, editor, composer and producer living in the New York metro area.

This collection of articles embraces theoretical and practical issues related to the emerging phenomenon of 'nature-based creative arts therapies', or 'eco-arts therapies/environmental arts therapies'. Due to the negative effects of some aspects of technological development upon various social and environmental processes, the relationship between human beings and nature has received more recognition. The growing field of eco-psychology reflects this attitude in its developing social-therapeutic environmental philosophy, claiming that reconnection with nature is essential not only for the maintenance of the physical world, but for people's well-being and happiness. Many writers have written about the therapeutic aspects of nature and contact with nature, but few have tried to reconstruct the knowledge gained through practice and intuition into creating a therapeutic framework using the relationship with nature as the key reference point for therapy. From the eco-psycho-social viewpoint of 'nature-based therapies' not only pathogenic factors typical for intensive modern life can be fought, but resilience-building potential implied in the unmediated contact with nature together can be reinforced. The articles include highlights of the work that creative/expressive arts therapists from different parts of the globe have done over the last years to establish a new platform and instruments for therapeutic practices. They present a new approach that incorporates nature not as a mere setting for therapeutic creative practices, but often as a partner in the process. This raised some fundamental questions concerning the concept of therapeutic setting, the role and functions of nature as an active partner in the creative and therapeutic practices, modes of human interaction with the environment with the use of different creative/expressive means. The book has been edited to provide practitioners not only with the new theoretical perspectives, but with methods and tools that can help them to incorporate nature into their daily work with different challenged populations and their varied needs, clinical and psychosocial issues. The first part of the book includes articles that present nature-based creative/expressive arts therapies framework: theory, concepts and methods. The second part focuses on the variability of expressive and instrumental forms that can be applied in the context of the nature-based therapies: expressive music, dramatic performances and rituals, dance and movement, visual arts, photography, narratives and multimedia events. It represents a variety of practical approaches and tools used with different populations and in various institutional contexts including clinical, educational, social and community-based settings. This part of the book also addresses some of the limitations and risks that nature-based creative/expressive therapies may have, and ways in which they may be bypassed and converted into growth and resilience. The book is for anyone interested in the therapeutic use of natural materials, processes and settings in their combinations with the expressive/creative activities. It will be of particular interest to mental health practitioners, especially creative/expressive arts therapists, psychotherapists, counselors and psychologists as well as artists and other creative workers wishing to explore further the creative use of nature within their existing practices.

Music is a part of everyone’s lives and many people use music to relax, energize, and comfort. Music Therapy, however, is a specialized health profession and music therapists around the world engage their clients and patients in personalized music experiences to provide specific help with learning and healing. From premature infants to elders with dementia, from children on the autism spectrum to adults struggling with addiction, challenges of every kind can be addressed through the assessment and interventions of a trained music therapist. This memoir chronicles clinical stories from the author’s 30 years of music therapy practice. A gentleman with Alzheimer’s disease retains language and alertness. Inmates in a county jail find value in cooperation and self-control. A child with a developmental disability discovers a safe place to calm himself and communicate. Women with breast cancer create songs to share with loved ones. Survivors of traumatic brain injuries and strokes recover some speech and language. These stories along with bits of personal history provide one perspective on this fascinating and fulfilling profession.