Music Therapy

ART OF BEING

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

…say music therapists who believe music is the new medicine on the block

It is perhaps true when they say, ‘Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’. From time immemorial, music has played a significant role in man’s life. There is a song for everyone and a tune that portrays every person’s story. For some, it is a vernacular way to express their feelings, while for others, it is a tool to heal their mind, body, and soul. Yes, the latter is true. Music is indeed therapeutic.

As it is generally known, music therapy uses sound to heal ailments. It is a form of expressive therapy in which a trained therapist uses music to help patients improve their health on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.

Clinical psychologist, percussionist, and drummer Varun Venkit has been using drumming as a form of therapy for people from various backgrounds: children, commercial sex workers, alcoholics, drug addicts, corporates, rural communities, mentally and physically challenged people, NGOs, and other communities. Around two years back, he started Taal Inc, a drum circle venture that was becoming increasingly popular. “I intend to reach out to the masses and make them realise that each has the potential to cope with conflicts. Through Taal Inc., we provide them a platform to learn a new instrument, thereby positively influencing their health and well-being, reducing stress, and building potential,” says Venkit.

Similarly, Sound Space, a collective session of workshops conducted by the Mumbai-based Khurana family, caters to curing people of their ailments by using sound and music therapy, meditation, yoga asanas, and even tarot card reading. “For the body to be healthy, it is extremely crucial that the chakras (vital energy centers in the body) be well balanced and energised. Through our workshops, we make people aware of these chakras and help align them through resonance and vibrations,” says Vishala Khurana, co-founder of Sound Space.

The benefits of music therapy have been noticed by city-based psychologists, who are recommending that their patients attend music therapy workshops. They think music will positively affect their patients and help them deal with their health issues, if not completely eradicate them. Dr. Sanyogita Nadkarni of the city-based clinic Mind Brain Solutions says, “I mostly deal with kids suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), autism, hyperactivity or lack of concentration, and I have seen significant changes in them. However, while undergoing the therapy, the patient goes through various other treatments, so I wouldn’t say that it is only because of music that the patient’s condition is improving. There are other factors involved as well.”

Nonetheless, ask Venkit and Khurana, and they will agree that they have seen significant changes in people solely because of music. “I have seen blind children telling me that they thoroughly enjoyed my workshop as it enabled them to channel their energy positively into something like drumming. At the same time, I’ve had commercial sex workers telling me that the workshops have boosted their self-confidence and morale…so it certainly helps… a lot, in fact,” says Varun.

Undeniably, though, music profoundly impacts one’s body and consciousness. Seeing what music has to offer, we can’t help but tweak Shakespeare’s quote from Twelfth Night-If music be the (medicine) for the (soul), play on.

ishani.bose@dnaindia.net