Music-based therapeutic interventions 1.0 from Music Therapy to Integrated Music Technology: a narrative review

Abstract

Change is inevitable to every profession. While we learn from the mistakes in the past, we should not lose sight of the developments which lie ahead. In this narrative review, we consider the different theoretical but more so practical and clinical mechanisms and uses of music technology in music therapy. We assemble relevant findings from a broad range of complimentary data, comprising published as well as unpublished research, clinical rapports, practical experience and self-rapports from clinicians, researchers, and practitioners worldwide. In addition, we have conducted a systematic search of the following databases: PubMed, MedLine, Jstor, ScienceDirect, EMBASe as well as academic theses and hand searches. Giving the relatively small amount of literature available on the topic of music technology in music therapy, true meta-analysis or systematic review were not possible. This narrative review aims at answering the importance of 1) the changing music therapy field; 2) the use of music technology in different populations with possibilities and pit-falls and 3) recommendations for future research, education, and clinical practise. Finally, we will draw attention to prospects of music technology in future applications beyond clinical practise, allowing music therapist and health-care professionals staying up to date with the fast-changing field of technology.Besides the growing and ever-changing field of music technology and digital media, targeting behaviour, clinical practice and neuroscientific research will allow to further our understanding of the interaction of music-based therapeutic interventions 1.0 in a digital society.