Music-Assisted Relaxation

The first music therapy technique we’ve decided to cover is called music-assisted relaxation. Although the name sounds pretty self-explanatory, music therapists can use this technique in a large variety of ways. For example, music-assisted relaxation may have the music therapist at a piano or guitar playing a simple progression while the patient sits or lies down in a comfortable position. From there, the therapist observes the patient and changes different aspects of the music- such as rhythm, dynamics, harmony, or tempo- based on changes they see in the patient. Or, the therapist may be playing an instrument while speaking from a script, leading the client through a series of muscular relaxations or guided imagery. Another similar modification would have the therapist play a recorded instrumental track in the background while they speak a script.

To me, the most interesting variation of music-assisted relaxation is called “song chaining”. It's a skill I've been working towards the past few weeks. To do song chaining, the therapist will play and sing multiple songs from within a patient-preferred genre without ever stopping the music. I had the opportunity to observe this within a hospital, and the results were incredible- the patients respiratory rate and heart rate, which were elevated at the beginning of the session, were at a normal level after the first two songs. He was sleeping for the entity of the session, but his affect went from strained to neutral, which is an indication of decreased pain and discomfort. All of these changes from a music therapist playing fingerpicked guitar, looping through songs previously identified as pleasant by the patient. It’s really fascinating to see happen in person!

Music-assisted relaxation can be used with many different populations. I’ve seen music therapists use this in hospitals, hospices, mental health facilities, and with individuals with developmental disabilities. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the technique is dependent on the goal and each individual patient. There’s a lot of research out there stating the benefits of music-assisted relaxation, and I’ve provided a few citations of good articles below. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll be sure to get back to you ASAP!

-Alyssa

Enrich, M. (2006). Calm waves: A music-assisted relaxation and imagery experience, including a mental trip to a calm and inviting open beach. Music Therapy Perspectives, 24(1), 54.

Mandel, S. (2010). Effects of a music-assisted relaxation and imagery compact disc recording on health-related outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation. Music Therapy Perspectives, 28(1), 11-21.

Pfaff, V., Smith, K., Gowan, D. (1989). The effects of music-assisted relaxation on the distress of pediatric cancer patients undergoing bone marrow aspirations. Children’s Health Care, 18(4), 232-236.