Music Therapy Research and Practice in Medicine: From Out of the Silence » (New Edition)

Aldridge, David (Univ of Witten, Germany)

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

Patricia Blagman

This well researched book describes how quantitative and qualitative research processes applied to interactive music therapy (as distinct from passive music therapy) help communicate the value of this therapy. It also describes, through case studies, the benefits of interactive music therapy across a variety of patient problems/diseases. The author has several purposes: to discuss research methodology applicable to the study of the broad field of music therapy, to present outcomes of interactive music therapy in varying age groups and diagnostic categories, and to help bridge the gap in language and knowledge between medical practitioners and music therapists. These are important objectives and the author meets these difficult goals with a depth of knowledge that is remarkable. Any reader needs at least basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Therefore, practitioners or advanced students in music therapy or any of the healing arts, and individuals developing research programs in healing related areas are suitable audiences. The author, a professor of clinical research methods, has great depth of knowledge of research procedures. He is not a music therapist. Figures and tables help explain some of the concepts that otherwise might be difficult to understand. The book is extremely well researched, well referenced, and current. This is a work of impeccable quality on a very difficult subject: how to study something as seemingly intangible as the process of music therapy , how to develop methods to communicate outcomes with others in the healing professions. Although the author is deeply concerned about research methodologies, he is equally concerned thattherapists develop better language to communicate with others about their work and its value. I believe he has made a valuable contribution to these aims. The book is useful for health professionals and library collections.