Current Status of Music Therapy

Abstract

Currently, music therapy (MT) is a focus within complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). MT is divided into two categories: recreational music (covering a broad field) and medical music therapy. It is not sufficient that the patient simply feel better; the evaluation methodology itself should be improved. MT can also be categorized as passive (ie, listening) and active (singing and/or playing instruments). Common MT subjects in Japan are infants, patients with psychiatric disorders or dementia, and the aged. Recently, combination therapy of MT and other CAM therapies has become more common and is gaining official recognition at a policy level. As MT is further developed, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in CAM in the future. Research in evidence- and narrative-based MT is also expected to progress.