Soothing the Savage Beast: Information sources on Music Therapy to Improve the Environment

Abstract

Music may be able to soothe the savage beast but can it direct the human will to improve the environment? Individually? Collectively? If so, how? The purpose of this discussion is to establish a framework whereby these questions may be explored. Following a brief discussion of music's impact upon our bodies, minds, and spirits, I will present a list of songs touching upon some aspect of the environment. A number of books have also been identified as resources for further study and contemplation. Some questions to consider include: Which genre of music is most effective in its positive environmental impact? and Is the music of any particular culture more influential in healing environmental problems? Specifically, it may be more appropriate to ask whether the music of one religion or another may be more effective in fostering environmental concern. Lynn White has suggested that the solution for the environmental crisis rests upon the shoulders of religion since that's where the blame for the crisis also rested and science has (as of the date of his article) been unable to cure the world's environmental ills (White 1967). Sound (music) makes a difference: physically, mentally/emotionally, and spiritually. One physical impact, directly influencing the environment, involves music's powerful impact upon the growth of plants. These organisms grow toward some music as they grow toward light. Other music repels plants, even kills them. However, this does not suggest that music be played across the wilderness or in urban landscapes for the purpose of improving the environment. People shape the environment in significant ways; therefore, any improvement that the environment might enjoy through music will be brought about indirectly, as that music influences people. Environmentally friendly music may impact people physically as it motivates them to move in various ways. The mental and emotional impact of music works by educating its listeners. Finally, spiritual change takes place as music resonates with people, inspiring them to act. Motivate Music impacts physical states in plants, animals, and people. Some indigenous peoples around the globe also believe it affects the environment, such as through a rain dance. The impact of music upon a person's physical being is the easiest to document. However, any beneficial link between the health of an individual's body and the health of the environment is complex and a challenge to document. Music has been shown to make people speed up or slow down, but what social/environmental impact can be shown as a direct result of a person's physical response to music? Selected Resources Campbell, Don. (1992). Music and miracles. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books. Cullum, Alcinda L. (1997). Effects of nature-based sounds on patient anxiety during the preoperative period. Unpublished thesis, Florida Atlantic University. Diallo, Yaya, & Mitchell Hall. (1989). The healing drum: African wisdom teachings. Rochester, VT: Destiny Books. Hall, Manly P. (1982). The therapeutic value of music including the philosophy of music. Los Angeles: Philosophical Research Society Inc. Holloway, Ron. (1995). Music effects on the acquisition of a motor skill. Unpublished thesis, University of Oregon, Eugene. Lee, Mathew H. M. (Ed.). (1989). Rehabilitation, music, and human wellbeing. Saint Louis, MO: MMB Music Inc. Licht, Sidney Herman. (1946). Music in medicine. Boston: New England Conservatory of Music. Lingerman, Hal A. (1995). The healing energies of music. Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House. Mazer, Susan, &d Dallas Smith. (1999). Sound choices: Using music to design the environments in which you live, work, and heal. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House. McClellan, Randall. (1991). The healing forces of music. Rockport, MA: Element Inc. Nordvall, Michael P. (1995). The influence of music on motor behavior and select physiological and psychological variables. …