Therapeutic Music & Singing

“Children blossom forth in their whole being when their souls are warmed
and strengthened by music. It is a food from heaven for the soul.”
H.W. Holzapfel, MD

“Children blossom forth in their whole being when their souls are warmed and strengthened by music. It is a food from heaven for the soul.”
H.W. Holzapfel, MD

Anthroposophic therapeutic music is a music-centred approach. It is fundamentally focussed on facilitating and deepening musical experiences. No previous musical skills or knowledge, virtuosity or mastery of an instrument is required. Therefore, mainly easy-to-play instruments are used. Percussion, string, plucked and wind instruments are specifically selected, as well as the most precious of all instruments - the human voice. Many of the musical instruments are distinctly anthroposophic instruments, such as the lyre and chrotta, swinging metal rods, particular wind instruments and a large variety of other musical instruments. Therapeutic Singing engages the human voice as a healing modality, working with breathing and a wide range of exercises.

In Therapeutic Music, musical elements such as tones and intervals, melodies, harmonies and rhythms are being brought together with the different sound qualities of the musical instruments and/or the singing voice. These musical elements are arranged individually for each client. The aim is to get involved in a lively musical experience with musical instruments and/or the singing voice.

Music is practiced both actively and receptively. Active and receptive listening as well as creative playing have an effect on all levels of our being - on our body, our vitality, as well as our soul and spirit. Music is a gateway to the innermost part of us. The therapeutic application of music offers nourishment and healing, responding to and meeting the needs of the client. It can convey feelings of calm, serenity and peace, inspire courage, ignite hope and help to build trust and confidence. It has an effect on our breathing, a regulating effect on our internal body temperature, our focus and concentration, self-awareness and self-esteem. Working with the drum, for example, was shown to be an important and meaningful therapy for high blood pressure.

Therapeutic Music aims to activate our resources holistically and foster our ability to self-regulate on a spiritual, mental, functional and physical level. For example, it can be experienced as strengthening, intensifying both self-perception and interaction with the environment, breathing processes are harmonised and senses activated. Sensory integration and playful exploratory processes are also supported.

For more information, please contact us or the International Coordination of Anthroposophic Art Therapies ICAAT

Photos Charlotte Fischer, courtesy of Laura Piffaretti, anthroposophic music therapist and lecturer, international coordinator of ICAAT, representative of IKAM, board director of iARTe and IFAT