There are two ways that we listen to music — passively (which is most of the time) and purposefully. Listening passively is when we have music on "in the background" while doing something — listening while cleaning, driving, going for a walk, working, you name it.
Purposeful listening is when the music is the main attraction. The focus. When we listen to music with purpose, we "get" more from it: the textures, the lyrical connotation, and the underlying nuances. We may focus on the cool bass line (one of the coolest is John Deacon's bass line in Queen's "You're My Best Friend"), the interesting drum fills (anything by Rush), the background vocals (Did you know that the whispering background vocal on the chorus of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" is Mick Jagger? Could the song be about him?), or the mix (how Sting's vocals on The Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" feels "way in the back").
Purposeful listening invites us to pay more attention to the lyrics, the interesting meter, or how the vibe of the music connects with our emotions — and when we do, we get something more from the music, such as validation of our feelings, empathic connection, and the full aesthetic experience. This is where music gives us what we need when we need it.
When we listen to music purposefully, we experience the entire aural and emotional profile that connects our mind, body and soul.
What Music Therapy Looks Like
In music therapy, the music is always purposeful. It's where the inherent elements in music work with the body as we "entrain" to rhythm, tempo, and timbre. Great music builds tension, and then when it resolves, we actually feel it in our bodies. Think "Beethoven's Fifth." The entire four-movement piece builds from the famous, dark motif until the breathtaking explosion of relief and joy when we hit the final movement. We physically "feel" the resolve.
As a music therapist working in a hospital setting, when working with someone who is in pain, I may use the tension and release in music to help guide them through their discomfort. I may start by having them focus and breathe their pain while I'm holding a minor chord (Em) on the guitar. Then, when I prompt them to exhale, I'll resolve to the major equivalent (Emaj). As we continue through more progressions, the minor/major movement helps release some of the tension from the body, which decreases pain perception.
Or, if someone is extremely anxious, I'll use "clinical" improvisation on the guitar. Clinical improvisation is creating music in the moment, purposefully, to "meet" the patient where they are, and then changing and manipulating the music to help bring them to where we want them to be. When I initiate the music, it sounds like how I imagine they are feeling. There's dissonance, minor modes, and constriction. The music connects to their deepest fears and anxiety. Then, once we are aesthetically connected, I'll move the dissonance to more harmonic themes, the tension to resolve. And this prompts a relaxation response in the body.
The Purposeful Use of Songs in Music Therapy
Songs can do so much — especially for someone who is coping with being in the hospital, dealing with the emotional pain of a life-threatening illness, or navigating a new cancer diagnosis. Songs speak for us when we can't find the words. Songs help us reflect on life and our mortality. Songs help us process it all. When we are working through a myriad of medical challenges, we can find profound connection in the lyrics of meaningful songs:
She's in her 60s, with a new cancer diagnosis, and is in the hospital going through treatment. Her doctor said to me, "Her body is wrecked, her mind is wrecked, can you please visit?" I sat with her for a few moments, just trying to be present as she looked exhausted and pained. I played some "soundscape" on the guitar, just to hold her in the space. She closed her eyes. Then I moved into songs that were, perhaps, meaningful for her. I started with "Stand By Me."
My tempo and arpeggiated accompaniment were pensive against the somewhat positive lyrics. Her face softened with the music and after the song, without opening her eyes, she said, "Yesss..." I moved through a few additional songs and she seemed to fully take in the music. She languidly moved her arms and occasionally sang along with me. I kept the mood reflective but started adding a little energy. I closed with a relaxed, yet uplifting, version of "I Can See Clearly Now." When the music concluded, after a moment she slowly opened her eyes and said:
"These songs make me happy and sad at the same time. It's just what I need."
That statement sums up what music therapy is. And what purposeful music can do.
Music brings forward and releases held-in emotions, but it also has an inherent underlying beauty that we connect with. It's the perfect dichotomy of projecting what is being felt against what wants to be felt.
In the hospital, and in life, purposeful music has the capacity to engage multiple physiological and neural systems that not only help the body but mend the mind and lift the soul.
Purposeful music can give reprieve, prompt release, bring connection, and create a sense of control.
Purposeful music gives us what we need when we need it.
When you find yourself in times of trouble, listen to some music purposefully.