I guess this is a bit OT as far as the lute goes, but I guess this discussion is running into problems of definition. My understanding of using music in the operating room is that it relaxes the surgeon and helps him/her focus on doing the operation right. Similarly it is possible to relax the patient in circumstances where (s)he is awake and this would help the treatment (eg in the dentist's chair).
Neither of these would come within the British usage of 'Music Therapy', though the second one might come within the US usage, which is broader, viz: "What is music therapy? 1) Definition from British Society for Music Therapy There are different approaches to the use of music in therapy. Depending upon the needs of the client and the orientation of the therapist, different aspects of the work may be emphasised. Fundamental to all approaches, however, is the development of a relationship between the client and the therapist. Music-making forms the basis for communication in this relationship. As a general rule both client and therapist take an active part in the sessions by playing, singing and listening. The therapist does not teach the client to sing or play an instrument. Rather, clients are encouraged to use accessible percussion and ethnic instruments and their own voices to explore the world of sound and to create a musical language of their own. By responding musically, the therapist is able to support and encourage this process. The music played covers a wide range of styles in order to complement the individual needs of each client. Much of the music is improvised, thus enhancing the individual nature of each relationship. Through whatever form the therapy takes, the therapist aims to facilitate positive changes in behaviour and emotional well- being. He or she also aims to help the client to develop an increased sense of self-awareness, and thereby to enhance his or her quality of life. The process may take place in individual or group music therapy sessions. 2) Definition from American Music Therapy Association Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to: promote wellness manage stress alleviate pain express feelings enhance memory improve communication promote physical rehabilitation." (adapted from the two society web sites). Another potentially interesting use of music is reflected in research from a music teacher in this country (UK) which purported to show that playing Mozart to school pupils increased their capacity to learn. Presumably lute fantasies would have an even stronger effect :-) Eric Crouch On 3 Jan 2006, at 05:35, Daniel F Heiman wrote: > Charles: > > 1) One of my friends, a violin player, does a weekly music therapy > session at the local Veterans' Hospital for soldiers who are having a > difficult time readjusting to civilian life after combat experience in > the Middle East. I asked him about the format, and he replied that he > usually just takes requests and plays by ear. The vast majority of > the > requests are for pop music from the last couple of decades. For that > context and mode of operating, it would seem that a guitar would be > preferable to a lute. > > 2) I am having difficulty understanding the function of the music > in a > operating room/theater. I was under the impression that the > patient is > normally quite unconscious while undergoing the surgery. It makes > much > more sense to me for chemotherapy or radiation therapy sessions. > > Daniel Heiman > > On Mon, 2 Jan 2006 20:29:39 -0000 "Charles Browne" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >> A Happy New Year to all! >> There was an article in one of the UK national newspapers recently >> about >> Harpists being 'employed' in operating theatres and in Chemotherapy >> Units to >> help reduce tension and anxiety in patients. I followed this up by >> looking at >> various links to formal Music Therapy and I gather that the Harp, >> among other >> instruments, is often used because of its particular properties. I >> wondered >> whether the lute would be similarly useful. Has anybody on the list >> experience >> of this? >> best wishes >> Charles >> >> >> >> >> To get on or off this list see list information at >> http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html >> >> > > --
