The Research for Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy

• Main Authors: Chan, Grace, 展桂馨
• Other Authors: Ming Jian Fang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1996
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/27554717900176261969

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 音樂學系 === 84 === This study shall attempt to delve into the development of the Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy. The study shall start its understanding from thefundamental concepts and attitude of music therapy, to its arrival intothe domestic scene and its applications in the fields of special education,physical therapy and medical treatment of the country. The study shall employ theoretical analysis and interviews in discovering the origin and development, theoretical foundation, practical models and clinical results of the subject matter. The study further aims to evaluate, discuss and arriveinto concrete suggestions in the hope of providing necessary references for future studies.The Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy came to birth in1959. It is a special form of therapy through music which was developed bymusician Paul Nordoff and special education educator Clive Robbins forhandicapped children. The theoretical foundation of this therapy lies inSteiner''s Anthrosophy and Maslow''s Humanistic Psychology; which propoundedthat each person, handicapped or otherwise, has an inborn musicality (referred to as the Music Child) and potentials. The significance of the therapy liesin the use of music as a tool to arouse the internal ability of the clients,in the goal of achieving self- actualization through the following three formsof personality transformation; "revitalization of the Music Child","development of the ego" and the "integration of the old and new selves". Creative Music Therapy centers treatment on the core of the clients'' being;it emphasizes more on performance rather than acceptance. During actual implementation, the therapy is divided into individual therapy and group therapy; therapy sessions are conducted by the primary therapist and co- therapist. Improvisation is the principal part of individual therapy sessions. The primary therapist would play an improvisation on the piano, occasionally stimulating and occasionally flowing, to help the clients either play an instrument or sing. The co-therapist on the other hand, provides the necessary assistance to the client. Group therapy sessions are mainly composed of organized activities such as singing, playing musical instruments, acting, body movements, dancing, etc. The primary therapist directs the entire activity of the group; the co-therapist plays the musical accompaniment needed for the activities. The session allows the clients to gradually arrive to their own objectives through interaction. However, regardless whether the type of therapy used is individual or group; all sessions are recorded, both in audio and video recording, during the entire course to allow for the objective assessment of therapy technique and for the resolution of future therapy directions. Multi-sectoral support made possible the establishmentof the "Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy Clinic" in Great Britain (1975), Australia (1984), Germany (1985) and the United States (1989).The clinics worked dedicatedly in music therapy research and promotion,as well as introduced music therapy into the treatment of pathological hospitalcases. This development contributed in bringing international music therapyinto new heights. The evaluations conducted by the author pointed out the"human angle of the therapy","the scientific nature of the therapy", and"the importance given to music culture" as the highlights of this type of therapyand considered the drawbacks to be the "Music Child as an inopportune term","lack of applicability of evaluation scales" and the "difficulty in implementingthe Two Person Team Model". Further, the study was able to come up with thefollowing fundamental concepts and attitude of music therapy:1. Music therapy can improve health conditions but can not treat illnesses completely.2. Music therapy may be used to supplement therapy teamwork.3. The expertise and the degree of experience of the music therapist play a major influence on the effectiveness of the therapy.4. Music therapy takes time, results should not be expected to come in great leaps. Finally, the author proposes the following suggestions for the development of Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy in the country:1. Adapt therapy to local culture. 2. Train music therapists.3. Establish a certification system. 4. Establish a foundation and researchinstitute for the purpose.5. Set up a medical treatment network.