Songwriting is one of my favorite music interventions. I think this is because it challenges my creativity while giving me a glimpse into a client’s personality, interests, and struggles. Songwriting can be a very personal and rewarding experience. For example, someone recently diagnosed with an illness may be struggling to come to terms with the condition, and may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Songwriting allows for verbal processing in a minimally invasive way. The client/patient can share as he/she feels comfortable, and is guided by the structure of the music. This could be with a simple Chorus-Refrain form and a “fill-in-the-blank” style where the patient only responds with a word or phrase. A more complex method of songwriting is "from scratch”. The therapist can play different chord progressions and styles of music and have the patient choose which reflects him/her the best. They can then discuss content. What is most important for the client/patient to portray? A powerful way to work through the patient’s situation is by focusing each verse on a different time in his/her life. The past, present, and future self can be discovered and presented in a unique way. This experience can also be meaningful for the patient’s family members. It can be recorded as a reminder of the emotional, physical, or spiritual journey.
Many different goals can be reached using this intervention in a variety of other settings. In one of my practicums with 4-5 year olds, I used a simple songwriting application to work on impulse control. The music therapist determines the most effective method for an individual and guides the experience with adaptations as needed.
For more information check out:
Baker, F., Wigram, T., Stott, D., & McFerran, K. (2008). Therapeutic songwriting in music therapy. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 17(2).
Brunk, B. K. Songwriting for music therapists, Prelude Music Therapy.
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