Symphonies and empathy: the influence of orchestral experience on music therapy practice

Abstract

Background: This paper proposed that many of the skills which constitute professional music therapy practice are the same as those utilised during a career in orchestral playing. The relationships and dynamics between players, players and conductor, and orchestra and audience can all be seen to be relevant within a therapeutic framework.Methods: To demonstrate this proposition, the presenter will draw on personal experience, citing relevant illustrated examples from clinical case work and from interviews with orchestral conductors, highlighting parallels between therapy and the musical relationships developed during a long career within a symphony orchestra.Discussion: The role of the therapist may be viewed in a number of ways. Some are framed in musical terms such as being a “conductor” of group sessions or an attentive accompanist in individual work. In each case, the therapist is responding to the subtleties of musical, verbal and nonverbal communication.Conclusions: The characteristic skills of a mus...