Date

5-2021

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Music & Performing Arts

Abstract

Most people would imply that music is used for solely entertainment, artistic expression, celebration, ceremony, or communication. Whether we are musically inclined or not, music is the one thing that genuinely connects humans from all cultures and corners of the earth. Another application of music is sound healing, a therapeutic practice that utilizes different signals and vibrations to improve the physical and emotional health of individuals, groups, and cultures. This can entail listening to various musical experiences (such as a concert), singing along to a favorite song or chant, dancing to the beats of other music, meditating, or playing an instrument. Specific instruction from a specialized practitioner might incorporate a one-on-one or an in-group type of session. Usually, sessions involve sitting or lying down while listening to formulated music or sounds played through a monitor either from special instruments that have been around for centuries or incorporating frequency and sound vibrations applied using special instrumental tools, such as a tuning fork. This research paper will describe what sound is, how sound can travel from a physiological standpoint, and the components used to identify a sound. In addition, the author will touch on the origins of sound healing from ancient times, different types of sound therapies based upon performance, specific instruments and tools, and the science, psychological theories, and methods of these applied practices. This research aims to examine, educate, and discuss sources of overall well-being for potential healing through sound as medicine for the past, present, and future. However, scientists, physicians, professors, and licensed therapists have yet to partake in adequate healthcare-related research on this topic, leaving further room for evidence to support these claims.

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