• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Healing Power of Music

Music therapy is increasingly used to help patients cope with stress and promote healing.

music therapy persuasive essay

By Richard Schiffman

“Focus on the sound of the instrument,” Andrew Rossetti, a licensed music therapist and researcher said as he strummed hypnotic chords on a Spanish-style classical guitar. “Close your eyes. Think of a place where you feel safe and comfortable.”

Music therapy was the last thing that Julia Justo, a graphic artist who immigrated to New York from Argentina, expected when she went to Mount Sinai Beth Israel Union Square Clinic for treatment for cancer in 2016. But it quickly calmed her fears about the radiation therapy she needed to go through, which was causing her severe anxiety.

“I felt the difference right away, I was much more relaxed,” she said.

Ms. Justo, who has been free of cancer for over four years, continued to visit the hospital every week before the onset of the pandemic to work with Mr. Rossetti, whose gentle guitar riffs and visualization exercises helped her deal with ongoing challenges, like getting a good night’s sleep. Nowadays they keep in touch mostly by email.

The healing power of music — lauded by philosophers from Aristotle and Pythagoras to Pete Seeger — is now being validated by medical research. It is used in targeted treatments for asthma, autism, depression and more, including brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and stroke.

Live music has made its way into some surprising venues, including oncology waiting rooms to calm patients as they wait for radiation and chemotherapy. It also greets newborns in some neonatal intensive care units and comforts the dying in hospice.

While musical therapies are rarely stand-alone treatments, they are increasingly used as adjuncts to other forms of medical treatment. They help people cope with their stress and mobilize their body’s own capacity to heal.

“Patients in hospitals are always having things done to them,” Mr. Rossetti explained. “With music therapy, we are giving them resources that they can use to self-regulate, to feel grounded and calmer. We are enabling them to actively participate in their own care.”

Even in the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Rossetti has continued to perform live music for patients. He says that he’s seen increases in acute anxiety since the onset of the pandemic, making musical interventions, if anything, even more impactful than they were before the crisis.

Mount Sinai has also recently expanded its music therapy program to include work with the medical staff, many of whom are suffering from post-traumatic stress from months of dealing with Covid, with live performances offered during their lunch hour.

It’s not just a mood booster. A growing body of research suggests that music played in a therapeutic setting has measurable medical benefits.

“Those who undergo the therapy seem to need less anxiety medicine, and sometimes surprisingly get along without it,” said Dr. Jerry T. Liu, assistant professor of radiation oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

A review of 400 research papers conducted by Daniel J. Levitin at McGill University in 2013 concluded that “listening to music was more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety prior to surgery.”

“Music takes patients to a familiar home base within themselves. It relaxes them without side effects,” said Dr. Manjeet Chadha, the director of radiation oncology at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York.

It can also help people deal with longstanding phobias. Mr. Rossetti remembers one patient who had been pinned under concrete rubble at Ground Zero on 9/11. The woman, who years later was being treated for breast cancer, was terrified by the thermoplastic restraining device placed over her chest during radiation and which reawakened her feelings of being entrapped.

“Daily music therapy helped her to process the trauma and her huge fear of claustrophobia and successfully complete the treatment,” Mr. Rossetti recalled.

Some hospitals have introduced prerecorded programs that patients can listen to with headphones. At Mount Sinai Beth Israel, the music is generally performed live using a wide array of instruments including drums, pianos and flutes, with the performers being careful to maintain appropriate social distance.

“We modify what we play according to the patient’s breath and heart rate,” said Joanne Loewy, the founding director of the hospital’s Louis Armstrong Center for Music & Medicine. “Our goal is to anchor the person, to keep their mind connected to the body as they go through these challenging treatments.”

Dr. Loewy has pioneered techniques that use several unusual instruments like a Gato Box, which simulates the rhythms of the mother’s heartbeat, and an Ocean Disc, which mimics the whooshing sounds in the womb to help premature babies and their parents relax during their stay in noisy neonatal intensive care units.

Dr. Dave Bosanquet, a vascular surgeon at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, says that music has become much more common in operating rooms in England in recent years with the spread of bluetooth speakers. Prerecorded music not only helps surgical patients relax, he says, it also helps surgeons focus on their task. He recommends classical music, which “evokes mental vigilance” and lacks distracting lyrics, but cautions that it “should only be played during low or average stress procedures” and not during complex operations, which demand a sharper focus.

Music has also been used successfully to support recovery after surgery. A study published in The Lancet in 2015 reported that music reduced postoperative pain and anxiety and lessened the need for anti-anxiety drugs. Curiously, they also found that music was effective even when patients were under general anesthesia.

None of this surprises Edie Elkan, a 75-year-old harpist who argues there are few places in the health care system that would not benefit from the addition of music. The first time she played her instrument in a hospital was for her husband when he was on life support after undergoing emergency surgery.

“The hospital said that I couldn’t go into the room with my harp, but I insisted,” she said. As she played the harp for him, his vital signs, which had been dangerously low, returned to normal. “The hospital staff swung the door open and said, ‘You need to play for everyone.’”

Ms. Elkan took these instructions to heart. After she searched for two years for a hospital that would pay for the program, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, N.J., signed on, allowing her to set up a music school on their premises and play for patients at all stages in their hospitalization.

Ms. Elkan and her students have played for over a hundred thousand patients in 11 hospitals that have hosted them since her organization, Bedside Harp, was started in 2002.

In the months since the pandemic began, the harp players have been serenading patients at the entrance to the hospital, as well as holding special therapeutic sessions for the staff outdoors. They hope to resume playing indoors later this spring.

For some patients being greeted at the hospital door by ethereal harp music can be a shocking experience.

Recently, one woman in her mid-70s turned back questioningly to the driver when she stepped out of the van to a medley of familiar tunes like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Over the Rainbow” being played by a harpist, Susan Rosenstein. “That’s her job,” the driver responded, “to put a smile on your face.”

While Ms. Elkan says that it is hard to scientifically assess the impact — “How do you put a number on the value of someone smiling who has not smiled in six months?”— studies suggest that harp therapy helps calm stress and put both patients and hospital staff members at ease.

Ms. Elkan is quick to point out that she is not doing music therapy, whose practitioners need to complete a five-year course of study during which they are trained in psychology and aspects of medicine.

“Music therapists have specific clinical objectives,” she said. “We work intuitively — there’s no goal but to calm, soothe and give people hope.”

“When we come onto a unit, we remind people to exhale,” Ms. Elkan said. “Everyone is kind of holding their breath, especially in the E.R. and the I.C.U. When we come in, we dial down the stress level several decibels.”

Ms. Elkan’s harp can do more than just soothe emotions, says Ted Taylor, who directs pastoral care at the hospital. It can offer spiritual comfort to people who are at a uniquely vulnerable moment in their lives.

“There is something mysterious that we can’t quantify,” Mr. Taylor, a Quaker, said. “I call it soul medicine. Her harp can touch that deep place that connects all of us as human beings.”

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Therapy Center
  • When To See a Therapist
  • Types of Therapy
  • Best Online Therapy
  • Best Couples Therapy
  • Best Family Therapy
  • Managing Stress
  • Sleep and Dreaming
  • Understanding Emotions
  • Self-Improvement
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Student Resources
  • Personality Types
  • Guided Meditations
  • Verywell Mind Insights
  • 2024 Verywell Mind 25
  • Mental Health in the Classroom
  • Editorial Process
  • Meet Our Review Board
  • Crisis Support

How Music Can Be Therapeutic

Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

music therapy persuasive essay

Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.

music therapy persuasive essay

Listening to music is widely considered to be a quick way to improve your mood, but it's becoming increasingly clear that there are many more benefits to listening to music than just a quick mood boost. Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact, there’s a growing field of healthcare known as music therapy, which uses music to heal.

People who practice music therapy are finding it can help cancer patients, children with ADD, and others. Hospitals are beginning to use music therapy to help ease pain and tension, to ward off depression, to promote movement, and to calm patients, among other benefits. Keep reading to learn more about the powerful ways music can affect the body and mind.

Therapeutic Effects of Music

The following are some of the physical effects of music that explain why music therapy can be so effective:

Brain Waves

Research has shown that music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and slower tempos promoting a calm, meditative state.

Research has also found that music can change brainwave activity levels to enable the brain to shift speeds more easily as needed. This means music can have lasting benefits to your state of mind, even after you’ve stopped listening.

Breathing and Heart Rate

With alterations in brainwaves come changes in other bodily functions, specifically those controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This means things like breathing and heart rate can be affected by the changes music can bring. Slower breathing and a slower heart rate can help activate a relaxation response , among other things.

State of Mind

Music can also be used to bring a more p ositive state of mind , helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay. The uplifting sound of music and the positive or cathartic messages conveyed in lyrics can improve mental state as well.

Having a more positive state of mind as a baseline can help prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on the body and can help keep creativity and optimism levels higher, which in turn bring many of their own benefits.

Other Benefits

Music has also been found to bring many other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which can also reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems over time), boosting immunity, easing muscle tension , and more.

With so many benefits and such profound physical effects, it’s no surprise that so many are seeing music as an important tool to help the body stay (or become) healthy.

Music Therapy

With increasing research demonstrating the benefits of music, it's no surprise music therapy is growing in popularity. Music therapists help with several other issues as well, including stress. For more information on music therapy , visit the American Music Therapy Association's website .

Using Music on Your Own to Improve Health

While music therapy is an important discipline, you can also achieve many benefits from listening to music on your own. It is likely you have been doing this since you were a teenager, but it is important to continue incorporating music into your daily life as you age. Whether it's throwing music on to dissolve the stress of a long drive or using it to keep motivated while exercising, listening to music daily can be used for relaxation, energy, and catharsis.

Mofredj A, Alaya S, Tassaioust K, Bahloul H, Mrabet A. Music therapy, a review of the potential therapeutic benefits for the critically ill . J Crit Care . 2016;35:195-199. doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.05.021

Kordovan S, Preissler P, Kamphausen A, Bokemeyer C, Oechsle K. Prospective study on music therapy in terminally ill cancer patients during specialized inpatient palliative care . J Palliat Med . 2016;19(4):394-399. doi:10.1089/jpm.2015.0384

Wang W-C. A study of the type and characteristics of relaxing music for college students . Proc Mtgs Acoust . 2014;21:035001. doi:10.1121/1.4902001.

Ellis RJ, Thayer JF. Music and autonomic nervous system (dys)function .  Music Percept . 2010;27(4):317–326. doi:10.1525/mp.2010.27.4.317

De Witte M, Spruit A, Van Hooren S, Moonen X, Stams GJ. Effects of music interventions on stress-related outcomes: a systematic review and two meta-analyses . Health Psychol Rev . 2019;:1-31. doi:10.1080/17437199.2019.1627897

Aalbers S, Fusar-Poli L, Freeman RE, et al. Music therapy for depression.  Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2017;11(11):CD004517. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub3

Lee KS, Jeong HC, Yim JE, Jeon MY. Effects of music therapy on the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system in stress-induced university students: a randomized controlled trial . J Altern Complement Med . 2016;22(1):59-65. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0079

By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment Term Paper

Introduction.

Music therapy is the use of music interventions to achieve individualized goals of healing the body, mind, and spirit. It involves skilled music therapists, who act as mediators to interact with patients, assesses their physical, emotional, and mental needs, and offer them with the necessary healing through music. Music therapy integrates various musical elements and certain therapeutic protocols to achieve certain objectives (Bruscia, 2000). Many people obtain some kind of healing whenever they have emotional, cognitive, or social issues through music. People living with disabilities or certain illnesses have often found music to offer a soothing environment that facilitates the healing process. Music uses creative, emotional and a non-verbal language to enable users to gain self-awareness and self-expression. In many cases, people have found music to be more powerful than plain words, as it offers a unique channel of communication and expression. Essentially, people suffering from autism and Alzheimer’s disease, and those having developmental disabilities can always become beneficiaries of music therapy. This paper will give a brief history of music therapy, and its role as an alternative treatment for autism and Alzheimer’s disease. Thereafter, the paper will give a brief discussion on the politic of making music therapy a real treatment.

History of music therapy

Music therapy traces its history back in the times of Aristotle and Plato. The writers wrote great articles describing the effect of music on health and personal behavior. After the First and Second World War, musicians felt that the only way to show gratitude to the war veterans was to visit them in the hospitals and soothe them with nice music. Surprisingly, the veterans responded positively to music, as their rate of recovery from physical and emotional trauma increased significantly. Their response triggered the doctors to confirm that music had some miraculous healing power. The doctors and nurses went ahead and ordered the hiring of musicians to help in relieving trauma in patients. Within no time, the demand for trained music therapists rose significantly, and Michigan State university began offering training in music therapy. Its first group of students graduated in 1944, and the society was impressed with the existence of the remarkable course. Thereafter, several developments occurred in the field of music therapy, and the ringleaders founded the American Music Therapy Association in 1998.

In today’s world, music therapists are imperative in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes among other places. Some medical practitioners have backed up sociologists in approving the power that music has in reducing stress, easing anxiety, and bringing a relaxation mode to patients (Lisa, 2009). Indeed, music plays a great role in promoting the emotional, physical, and mental well being for patients suffering from the autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease among many other diseases.

Role of music therapy as an alternative treatment for Autism and Alzheimer’s disease

Autism is a condition that is common in children and adolescents while Alzheimer’s disease is common in the elderly; however, the two conditions affect the brain. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects children’s verbal and non-verbal ability before they attain the age of three years. The commonest condition is the child’s inability to communicate and interact with other people. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s disease occurs when neuronotoxic proteins develop in the brain and lead to the damage and death of brain cells. Patients suffering from the Alzheimer disease loose memory, they develop mood swings, and they often become confused while doing their chores. However, music has a special way of calming down the psychiatric patients, and it acts as an alternative treatment to the illnesses as discussed below.

Enhancing the patients’ lives : The best thing that one can do to people with incurable conditions is enhancing their lives and making them happy. Music enhances the feeling of well-being, and it enables the patients to fight against stress and ill health. Music therapy has proven to be very effective in enabling patients with autism and Alzheimer’s disease to communicate. Although the patients are unable to express themselves by talking, music therapy enables them to express their innermost feelings. Music has a supernatural way of stimulating the sensory organs and enhancing the physical, psychological, and cognitive processes of the patients. The therapy promotes stress management, and it enhances the memory, which would otherwise be impossible under normal biomedical treatments.

Calming psychiatric patients: One of the commonest characteristic of people with brain disorders is the display of violent behaviors. People suffering from autism and Alzheimer’s disease have a tendency of experiencing mood swings, they feel sad, and their frustrations increase on a daily process. However, music therapy does the magic, as the patients’ violent behaviors decreases significantly in response to music. In fact, music calms down the patients better than the psychotropic drugs do. It is worth noting that patients suffering from autism and Alzheimer’s disease tend to display their violent behaviors when isolated in dark and quite rooms. In the presence of music, the agitation that some of the patients have reduces significantly.

Increasing social companionship : In many cases, physicians isolate patients with mental conditions to avoid the potential problems that may arise if they begin acting violently. The patients feel isolated, and their actions aim at obtaining attention from other people. However, music therapy plays a great role in reducing the social isolation experience that psychiatric patients encounter. The patients liken music sessions to storytelling sessions that console, relax, and offer them with the best time of their life. Medical caregivers will always have an easy time dealing with the patients, who experience some form of social companionship with music. Music enables the patients to recollect activities of past events, which arouses their spirits. Essentially, music therapy plays a great role in enhancing social interaction, stimulating speech, and in improving the mood of the patients.

Sociological aspects of music therapy

Their increasing role in medical practice.

Although biomedical healthcare is predominant in most countries globally, music therapy has proved to have an increasing role in the medical field in countries in the west. Other than offering physical healing to the affected patients, music therapy offers mental healing. Music therapy has proved to promote the healing process of post-surgery patients. It is worth noting that in spite of the fact that singing does not have a direct effect on healing the wound, it enhances the sense of well-being and the feeling of social connectedness. Moreover, music therapy has played a great role in rehabilitation centers by helping patients to quit their addiction. Although not scientifically proven, drug addicts obtain some form of relieve while drumming and playing loud music. Moreover, most nations in the west have utilized music therapy in special education schools to help in achieving social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs of the people living with disabilities. It is evident that music therapy has an increasing role in the medical field, and the nations that still disregard it will soon embrace music therapy because of its endless rewards.

The politic of making music therapy a real treatment

Music therapy has encountered various views in the medical field, as it is just a complementary or alternative treatment. While some countries strongly believe that music therapy is an essential treatment for psychiatric illnesses, other countries have marginalized music therapy as a form of treatment. Essentially, the politic of making music therapy a real treatment mainly involves the medical practitioners and sociologists.

It is evident that many people believe in superior treatment methods that fit into the biomedical field. The strongest believe in biomedical treatments lies in the fact that every treatment is predictable and controllable. Medical practitioners mainly focus on the disease, and they would rather treat psychiatric patients using medicine rather than using the music therapy approach, which would be ineffective at other times. Believers of biomedical treatments have confidence in the evidence-based approach to deal with diseases. If need be, the practitioners set up control groups to determine the suitability of a certain drug. Therefore, from a rational point of view, medical practitioners disqualify music therapy because it is not evidence based, as the music therapists might find it difficult to have control groups to carry out randomized trials (Plum, 2011, 2012).

On the other hand, some sociologists strongly back up complementary and alternative treatments like music therapy, as the therapies have little or no side effects. According to them, music therapy is a non-biomedical treatment that uses a holistic approach to address medical conditions and promote health. Moreover, music therapy has the power to provide social, emotional, behavioral, psychological, and physical healing concurrently unlike the biomedical treatments. The power of music therapy lies in its ability to make the best out of ordinary activities like dancing, singing, and listening to music. The sociologists disregard biomedical treatments because of their inability to fulfill the social, moral, spiritual, and scientific needs of the society and the patients.

From the discussions, it is evident that medical practitioners and sociologists have reasons to support their schools of thought; therefore, the politic of making music therapy a real treatment is not about to end. However, it is factual that music therapy has the capability to act as an alternative treatment to patients suffering from autism and Alzheimer’s disease among other diseases. However, medical practitioners and music therapists should work together and base their treatment on certain objectives that may vary from one patient to another. While some patients need some sensory stimulation, others need some speech simulation or mood improvement. It is noteworthy that autism is a spectrum disorder that affects patients differently, thus, the level of illness varies from one patient to another. While other patients may have difficulties in their common senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch, and sight, others may have learning difficulties. Therefore, they need different treatments. The same thing applies to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, as they may have different impairments that require different therapies. Overall, in spite of the existing politic in making music therapy a real treatment, it is evident that it is indeed playing a major role in advancing the healing process of patients living with mental disabilities.

Bruscia, K. (2000). The nature of meaning in music therapy. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 9 (2), 37-43.

Lisa, B. (2009). Alzheimer’s disease: The role of music therapy in symptom palliation. Web.

Plum, C. B. (2011). Sociology of medicine: How music therapy is affected by the dominant position of the biomedical model pt 1 . Web.

Plum, C. B. (2012). Opposition to music therapy: How music therapy is affected by the dominant position of the biomedical model pt 2. Web.

  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, June 18). The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-music-therapy-as-alternative-treatment/

"The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment." IvyPanda , 18 June 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-music-therapy-as-alternative-treatment/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment'. 18 June.

IvyPanda . 2020. "The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment." June 18, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-music-therapy-as-alternative-treatment/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment." June 18, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-music-therapy-as-alternative-treatment/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment." June 18, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-music-therapy-as-alternative-treatment/.

  • Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease: Debilitating Neurological Ailment
  • Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
  • Biomedical Sciences in Nursing
  • Career in Biomedical Sciences: Opportunities & Prospects
  • Biomedical Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Prosthetics
  • Alzheimer’s Disease in Medical Research
  • Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
  • Ethics in Biomedical and Nursing Internet Research
  • Comparing Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
  • Beneficial Effect of Tea on Human Health
  • Equine Facilitated Therapy - Alternative Medicine
  • Can “Natural Medicine” Be Really Natural Now?
  • Asian Medicine: the Ying and Yang Concept
  • Pseudoscience and Alternative Medicine

music therapy persuasive essay

Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

music therapy persuasive essay

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

music

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

  • Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
  • Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
  • Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
  • Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
  • The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
  • The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
  • The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
  • How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
  • Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
  • The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

  • Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
  • Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
  • How music changes and influences social and political movements
  • How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
  • The innate connection between music and human beings
  • How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
  • Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
  • Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
  • How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
  • How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

  • I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
  • I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
  • I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
  • How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
  • What does my love for popular music say about me?
  • How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
  • How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
  • How music motivates me to chase my dreams
  • How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
  • Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

Need a Music Essay ASAP?

Our expert team is quick to get you an A+ on all your assignments!

Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

  • The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
  • Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
  • Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
  • The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
  • The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
  • The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
  • The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
  • Does musical therapy help depression?
  • Does music reduce anxiety levels?
  • Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

  • The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
  • Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
  • How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
  • How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
  • How modern producers relate to classical composers
  • The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
  • How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
  • Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
  • Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
  • The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

  • How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
  • The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
  • The social benefits of participating in music groups
  • The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
  • The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
  • The effects of music on mood and behavior
  • How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
  • How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
  • The benefits of listening to music while exercising
  • How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

music steps

  • Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
  • Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
  • Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
  • Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
  • One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
  • Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
  • Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

Need Help in Writing an Impressive Paper?

Our expert writers are here to write a quality paper that will make you the star of your class!

FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

Should Artists' Music be Used in Advertising?

What type of music is best for writing an essay, why do people love music, related articles.

How to Write an Essay

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Music Therapy — The potential of music therapy

test_template

The Potential of Music Therapy

  • Categories: Music Therapy

About this sample

close

Words: 2049 |

11 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 2049 | Pages: 5 | 11 min read

Image of Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Nursing & Health

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1578 words

3 pages / 1532 words

7 pages / 2977 words

2 pages / 831 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Music Therapy

The relationship between music and mental health is a topic of growing interest and research. This essay delves into the intricate connection between music and mental well-being, examining the ways in which music can influence [...]

It has the ability to transform a person's life in profound ways, shaping their emotions, thoughts, and actions. Music can serve as a source of comfort, inspiration, and motivation, and can even act as a form of therapy for [...]

Music is an integral part of human life. It has the power to evoke emotions, bring people together, and provide a sense of identity and belonging. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, music has played a significant [...]

Music has been a part of human culture and civilization for thousands of years, and its power to heal and soothe has been recognized since ancient times. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research demonstrating [...]

Investigating helped me in trying to find the deeper and clear reason of why I wanted to focus on this topic “Sound Healing”. The reason I chose this topic was because I have realised that today’s youth is not really taking care [...]

Nowadays, current society is familiar with music more than in any other time in history because of the youth. A big percentage of the young listen to music everyday while performing their daily activities for many of the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

music therapy persuasive essay

267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]

Your mood leaves a lot to be desired. Everything around you is getting on your nerves. But still, there’s one thing that may save you: music. Just think of all the times you turned on your favorite song, and it lifted your spirits!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

So, why not write about it in a music essay? In this article, you’ll find all the information necessary for this type of assignment:

  • 267 brilliant music essay topics,
  • a sample paper,
  • a step-by-step guide and writing tips.

And don’t forget to bookmark  custom-writing.org  where you can find helpful essay tips in articles like this one.

🔝 Music Essay Topics: Top 10

  • 🎵 Music Essay Definition
  • 🎼 Essay Topics
  • ✍️ How to Write
  • 📑 Essay Sample

🔗 References

  • Compare different recording formats.
  • The purpose of music.
  • Ternary and rondo: compare and contrast.
  • Music as a lifestyle.
  • The benefits of singing.
  • Ethnomusicology as a career.
  • Evolution of the radio.
  • The importance of school musicals.
  • Music as a tool for meditation.
  • Music in sports.

🎵 Essays about Music: What Are They?

A music essay describes or analyzes a piece of music, its context, or one’s personal attitude towards it. This type of assignment requires a compelling primary argument and a clear structure.

To write well about music, you don’t have to be a professional musician. All you need is to be able to listen, understand, and evaluate it. You should also provide your interpretation and opinion on it.

Writing about Music: Assignment Types

An essay on music is a popular assignment in high school and college. However, many students find it hard to describe sounds in a written form. In this article, we will give you some tips on writing about music.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Here are the typical tasks that you might receive:

  • Concert report. It requires describing the music you’ve heard using as many details and terms as you can.
  • Historical analysis of a piece. Your aim is to describe the historical context of a piece or its relation to the historical setting. For this type of assignment, you may need to do some research.
  • Song analysis. In this type of essay, you explore song lyrics’ meaning and show how they work together with the melody.
  • Performance or media comparison. Here you need to compare several interpretations or performances of one piece of music.

The picture shows different tasks related to writing about music.

All of these assignments require a different approach and topic. You will find topics for these types of tasks below.

How to Choose a Music Essay Topic

First things first, you need to find a suitable music essay topic. To accomplish this task, you might want to take the following steps:

  • Analyze your relationship with music . What role does it play in your life? Your topic choice will be different if you are a musician or merely a listener.
  • Think about how music influences your everyday life . For instance, you can study how listening to music affects our mental health. Impressing your readers with some historical facts from the world of music is also a great idea.
  • Try reflecting on the role of different music genres in your life . Whether you prefer rap or classical music, exploring a genre is an excellent topic idea. Topics related to musical instruments are also worth attention.
  • Narrow your topic down. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to focus your essay on just one idea.

🎼 Music Essay Topics List

The first thing you need to do is to choose your topic. We have prepared a variety of music topics perfect for research papers and short essays. You can also use them for speeches or college application essays.

Argumentative Essay about Music: Topics & Ideas

Argumentative essays about music are usually concerned with a specific music-related issue you choose to address. Just like with any other argumentative essay, you should present both sides of the topic. Also, reliable facts are a must for this type of essay.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 15% off your first order!

  • The influence of modern technologies on the music industry. Technologies allow artists to create and promote their songs independently. Because of this, record labels are less critical to musicians than before. However, the emergence of new technologies also gave rise to piracy. Do the positives outweigh the negatives? 
  • What’s the effect of  pop music on the modern generation? Today’s pop songs are usually commercial . Because of this, some people say that pop has ruined the current generations’ perception of music. Others argue that contemporary pop music expanded the possibilities of the genre.  
  • Rock music makes people more aggressive.  Some consider rock music merely an arrangement of aggressive tunes that foster violence. On the counter side, science has proven that people who prefer rock to other genres are calmer and more concentrated. Which position do you agree with? 
  • Can people with hearing impairments become famous musicians?  Many believe that access to fame and fortune is limited for disabled people. The deaf may seem especially unsuited for the  music business . Yet, the examples of Beethoven, Neil Young, and Chris Martin show that hearing problems don’t have to be an issue.  
  • Will  streaming  completely substitute physical copies?  Digitalization is on its way to replacing LPs and CDs. For most people, it’s simply more convenient. But their opponents claim that an MP3 file can never sound as good as a physical copy.
  • Some music genres can be a catalyst for violence.  While their beats may be calm, hip-hop and rap’s  lyrics are often aggressive and brutal. Does it have adverse effects on a listener? 
  • Can a person become addicted to music?
  • Censorship on the radio: why stations shouldn’t bleep out obscenities. 
  • Is mandatory musical education in high schools practical?
  • The impact of Mozart’s music on toddlers.
  • Should a musician’s personal life affect people’s perception of their art? 
  • How susceptible are teenagers to political messages in songs?
  • Music influences one’s mental and physical capabilities .
  • Are children who listen to music more intelligent than others?
  • Music genres are inherently dependent on musical instruments .
  • Is music as an art form more popular than cinema ?
  • Debate whether rap musicians promote a frivolous and careless lifestyle .
  • Many musicians became famous only because they’ve had connections. 
  • Music festivals are the best form of entertainment.
  • Does music always sound better live than on records? 
  • Is classical music better than modern genres?
  • Is it justified that some religions view music as a sin?
  • Typically, music defines a culture and its traditions: true or false? 
  • Rap music has a strong connection to rebellious movements. 
  • Jamaican music’s link to the stoner lifestyle is unjustified.
  • Synesthesia: how is music related to visuals?

Opinion on Music: Essay Topics

Opinion essays about music might seem similar to the argumentative type. Here, you are expected to write your personal opinion on a topic. Naturally, you can have many opinions on musical topics. Why not broadcast them? Keep in mind that you also need to provide reasons for your point of view.

  • Music therapy can help people with mental illnesses.  It’s a well-known fact that music affects the human brain. This ability makes it perfect for treating mental health problems. On the one hand, psychologists established that listening to classical music increases one’s  cognitive capacity . On the other hand, listening to heavy rock impacts responsiveness. 
  • The questionable treatment of women in the  music industry .  While it may seem that both sexes are treated equally, women still earn much less than they deserve. Moreover, the extreme sexualization of girls persists as one of the most pressing problems in the industry. 
  • Which musician or band impacted your worldview ? Discuss what makes your favorite artist special. Consider analyzing their lyrics, genre, and evolution. If you want to, add a review of one of their albums .
  • What are the challenges of being an independent artist? Typically, independent artists deal with all the financial, promotional, and distributional affairs by themselves. In the increasingly complex music business, this is not an easy task.
  • Is  social media  efficient for promotion?  Almost every modern artist uses social media to promote their albums or songs. Users often check their networks for updates, which increases the musician’s visibility. But do such methods help in the long run? 
  • Passion is the essential personal quality for every musician . If an artist is not eager to continually produce high-quality output, they’re unlikely to succeed. However, qualities such as responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creativity are also vital.
  • Is music good for stress relief? 
  • How does music connect people ?
  • Analyze qualities that good musicians shouldn’t have.
  • Who are the most excellent musicians in the country genre ?
  • Is it possible to live without interacting with music ?
  • Choose three successful rappers and analyze their influence.
  • How can a musician become famous without having money or connections? 
  • What are the difficulties of being in a band? 
  • Who impacted the development of indie music the most?
  • Is pop music losing its popularity? If so, why?
  • Three factors that affected your choice of a favorite genre .
  • Which artists are the most prominent in power metal?
  • Which record label is the most influential now? 
  • Can Justin Bieber’s songs be considered legendary?
  • Did Kanye West introduce a new kind of rap?
  • Which rock bands lost their fame because of a scandal ? How did it happen?
  • Discuss Dire Straits’ impact on music history .
  • Who are currently the most successful women pop singers ?
  • Why are some music genres more popular than others?
  • What does success in the music world depend on? 

Topics for a Persuasive Essay about Music

Is there anything music-related you want to convince people of? A persuasive paper is your chance. Carefully craft your arguments to show your readers you’ve always been right about the beauty of cowbells. If it’s not your jam, consider these essay topics about music:

  • A seven-string guitar is superior to a six-string one. The additional string gives more room for creativity. It might be challenging to master, but in the end, the music has a fuller sound . Do you think it’s worth the effort?
  • The lyrics don’t matter as long as the melody is good. It’s possible to like songs from different countries, even if the listener doesn’t understand the language. The singing is simply part of the composition. Does this mean that what the vocalist says is unimportant?

The picture shows the information about the oldest surviving musical composition.

  • Most people living in big cities neglect country music. People from urban areas tend to think that country music is tasteless. For them, its tunes and lyrics sound too simple. Does the strong association with cowboys, farms, and long roads simply not appeal to the city lifestyle?
  • Should rap music be performed only by black people?  The genre hosts a large portion of  African American artists . Not only that, but black rappers are widely considered the best of their craft. Do white artists do the genre justice? 
  • Music that artists make merely to get money is soulless. Passion is a critical factor for every musician. If money is the primary driver for creating a song , the result is inevitably flawed. Do you agree?
  • Pop music is undergoing a transformation. Listeners acknowledge pop as the primary genre of contemporary music . Yet, new musical instruments are changing the game. Even the lyrics touch on more serious topics than before.
  • Indie is the new pop. Indie music is a relatively novel genre. Still, it continues to gain popularity. The light-hearted tunes paired with existential lyrics have captured the audience’s hearts. Is it possible to envision the future of music without bands such as Coldplay, The 1975, and the Arctic Monkeys?
  • The meaning of freedom for jazz as a musical genre .
  • Punk rock has recently witnessed a renaissance.
  • Exposing plants to classical music makes them grow faster.
  • Classical music: intellectually stimulating or relaxing ?
  • Is it justified that some countries legally prohibit artists from performing?
  • Is it easier for children to learn with music? 
  • Can a person ever become a great artist without a natural talent ?
  • Should workplaces allow their employees to listen to background music ?
  • Jimi Hendrix’s guitar skills are still unmatched.
  • The impact of pop music on European culture and trends.
  • Kurt Cobain’s death should have been a wake-up call for the music industry .
  • Why is music beneficial to society?
  • Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy can be felt even today.
  • Nintendocore is a legitimate genre that the industry should take more seriously.
  • Should you listen to a bands’ music even if you disagree with their opinions ?
  • Musicians should receive more government support.
  • Patriotic songs make people feel passionate and energetic about their country.
  • Depressive and sad tunes can worsen a person’s mood.
  • Doctors and therapists need to understand the importance of music. 

Music Evaluation Essay Topics

Do you want to know how to evaluate music? The point is to divide your overall impression into several parts. Music evaluation requires much attention and concentration, so try to do your best to stay focused while listening.

Use these criteria for evaluating music performances:

Now all you need to do is choose a topic and get down to writing!

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

  • Discuss the rise and fall of hardcore punk. Many bands that started in the hardcore punk scene softened their sound over time. Why did this genre disappear from the mainstream?
  • Copyright laws are going too far .  It’s getting increasingly difficult to use somebody else’s intellectual property. Creators on YouTube have to fear lawsuits for creatively repurposing copyrighted music. Moreover, laws such as the DMCA are frequently abused to generate revenues. 
  • More bands should use their influence for political purposes. Renowned artists have a broad reach. Bands like Rise Against or Anti Flag use this influence to raise political awareness among their fans. Is it a fair approach?  
  • Borrowing and plagiarism in contemporary music . New artists don’t emerge without having listened to other musicians. They draw inspiration from their predecessors. Thus, songs are always a mix of already existing tracks. In your essay, discuss the difference between homage and plagiarism.
  • What are the similarities between poetry and song lyrics? Songs and poems are similar in that they deliver a message to the audience. Their creation demands extensive knowledge of rhyming, literary devices, and other components.
  • Why do some musicians ask others to write lyrics for them? It is a common practice to have a crew of songwriters who create texts for performers. Sometimes it happens due to a lack of imagination or inspiration. Does finding out that your favorite artist doesn’t write their lyrics destroy the magic of their music?
  • How can popular music diversify as a genre? Pop music reached its peak. Adding and borrowing elements from different genres can be one way to diversify a streamlined genre.
  • The history of music as political propaganda. 
  • Explain the difference between high and low contemporary music culture .
  • How is contemporary music related to that from other periods?
  • What are the connections between pop music and the hip-hop genre?
  • What connects popular music and contemporary culture ?
  • How does music in the United States relate to Spanish music ?
  • Analyze the evolution of Indian music .
  • Discuss why certain albums manage to climb to the top of the charts.
  • The link between social classes and musical genres. 
  • Differences and similarities of music and other art forms .
  • How does a musical instrument’s origin influence its development?
  • What is the role of traditional music today?

The picture shows a Victor Hugo quote about music.

  • What are the main processes in music production? 
  • How is music theory relevant today?
  • Analyze which contemporary artists’ albums had an effect comparable to that of Queen’s A Night at the Opera .
  • Eurodance: Europe’s most extravagant genre.
  • Songs and everyday life of Michael Jackson vs. Madonna: who wins the ultimate pop crown?
  • What difficulties has Eminem faced throughout his career?
  • Over-ear headphones provide a better sound experience than on-ear ones.

Topics for an Expository Essay on Music

An expository essay explains or describes a subject. In the colorful world of music, topics can range from the physics of sound waves to artists’ social impact.

  • The importance of Blues music in the late 19 th  century and now.  Blues originated in the 19 th  century American South. It was an outlet for  African Americans to express their sorrows. Later, it exceeded by far the cultural boundaries that confined it. 
  • The role of music in prison camps.  Singing was an essential part of life in the Nazi concentration camps. One of the most well-known songs of that time is called  Peat Bog Soldiers . In your expository essay, explore why prisoners started singing and how it developed.  
  • How did Chester Bennington’s death impact the music industry? Linkin Park was a giant in the business for decades until depression made their lead singer take his own life. The event sparked debates surrounding mental health and pressure in the creative industry. What long-lasting effects did these discussions have?
  • How did Baroque music reflect the zeitgeist? Compared to the Renaissance period, Baroque was in all aspects very pompous. The artists of the Sun King’s time didn’t shy away from the extravaganza. This ideal is especially prominent in architecture. How does music fit into the picture?
  • Investigate the development of musical harmony. The Ancient Greeks already had an idea of some tones fitting together better than others. However, it wasn’t until the 1600s that tonality became a crucial part of music theory.
  • Music in commercials: an analysis. Songs and jingles are commonplace in TV commercials. But what are they good for? In your essay, you can compare the success of advertisements with and without music.
  • What causes music trends to change? It’s easy to define various eras of music . Naturally, the invention of new instruments has influenced this development. What other factors played a role in these transformations?
  • Why is 4/4 a universal beat?
  • Examine the origins of The Star-Spangled Banner .
  • The effects of dissonance on the human mind .
  • How do staccato, legato, and other forms of articulation influence the perception of a musical piece? 
  • Discuss the significance of music in video games. 
  • Music drives people’s motivation.
  • Explain the calming effects of nature sounds .
  • How does music influence literature? 
  • Celtic music is known to have an extraordinary impact on the psyche. How does it work?
  • How does music impact the discharge of hormones such as dopamine?
  • Music therapy is suitable for those who have bipolar disorder. 
  • What made Falco such a unique artist?
  • How does the perception of a silent film differ from that of a movie with sound? 
  • A rock concert by Kansas: How the relevance of live concerts changed over time. 
  • Is being able to read music important for a composer ?
  • How did Beethoven write music after losing his hearing?
  • Should all songs have proper rhythm and structure?
  • Why do so many indie artists become commercial? 
  • Is it essential for song lyrics to rhyme?

History of Music: Essay Topics

If you’re interested in the evolution of music, you’ve come to the right section. Historical research reveals the significance of music throughout time. Unsurprisingly, songs and melodies have been part of human culture for centuries. Dive deeper into this exciting subject with one of the following ideas:

  • How did the Catholic Church influence music development in Europe? During the Middle Ages , religious movements had a significant impact on music. Consequently, composers used to create more sacred music. It became a way of personal expression since it often contained religious texts. 
  • The cultural meaning of Renaissance music and its influence on other styles . During the time of the Renaissance , sacred and secular music heavily impacted each other. As a result, more variety emerged. The chanson and madrigal, for example, became popular around Europe.
  • Research archaeological findings of early musicality.  The search for the oldest musical instrument delivers thrilling insights. Archaeologists have excavated a flute made of ivory and bird bones, dating approximately 43,000 years ago. They found it in a cave in Germany where Neanderthals lived.  
  • History of early music and appearance of  musical instruments.  The beginning of the human culture was the turning point of  musical instruments’ appearance. They were primarily used for spiritual rites; typically, they were horns or drums for ceremonies.
  • Louis Armstrong’s contributions to the jazz world.  Jazz originated in  New Orleans and was a favorite among African Americans. Louis Armstrong’s improvisations forever changed the genre, making the soloist-improviser the center of the performance.
  • The phenomenon of pop music and its origins. Popular music dates back to the second half of the last century. It comes from the US and the UK. Its main peculiarity lies in the variety of tunes and lyrics .
  • Native American music before the discovery of the New World . Incas and Aztecs had particular styles of music. Findings show that these ancient civilizations used instruments for ceremonies. Researchers also discovered that various American cultures mingled, thus creating new techniques. 
  • The use of string instruments in classical Greek songwriting.
  • Famous composers of 18th century Italy and their influence. 
  • Mozart vs. Beethoven: comparison of techniques.
  • Deliver a thoughtful analysis of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony .
  • What role do acoustic instruments play in jazz compositions?
  • Explore the history of the Ocarina.
  • Due to what circumstances did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart become one of the greatest musical geniuses in history?
  • Influence of the Romantic period on modern music.   
  • How and why were the swing era and jazz connected?
  • Rock and roll as an international language in the 20th century.
  • Explore the rise of techno music.
  • Is there a historical connection between music and math? 
  • How did music become a staple subject in many schools?
  • The greatest musicians of World War I. 
  • Industrialization and its effect on music development.
  • How did female producers such as Kate Bush impact the music industry?
  • Analyze Frédéric Chopin’s contribution to classical music .
  • Music evolution in ancient Greece vs. the Roman Empire. 
  • How does archeology help to uncover musical traditions ?
  • Tupac’s influence on modern rap music .

Classification Essay about Music: Topic Ideas

In a classification essay, you explain how a whole relates to parts or vice versa. To do it, you need to divide one broad category into several subcategories. Each classification paragraph focuses on one subcategory, so you need to find a key feature that will be your basis of division. For example, you can divide music by genre, volume, musical instruments, etc.

Here is our list of musical topics for this essay type:

  • The most popular types of alternative music among teenagers.  Naturally, teens like different kinds of rock and experimental music . Try to dig deeper and ask some teenagers about their preferences to get a clear picture.  
  • Types of modern dance music . Describe the tendencies and popular genres. You can also focus on a specific country.
  • The most popular types of jazz music in Europe.  Although jazz emerged in the United States, this genre became recognizable all over the world. You can analyze the most popular streamed songs, or the concerts and other mass events.
  • Rock music in the ’70s.  You can describe the genres, styles, or types of performers. The concerts, clothes, and lifestyles are also suitable for this topic. 
  • Blues musicians of different time periods. Analyze the lyrics, the musical instruments they used, and how long their careers lasted.
  • Classification of music for children . Some of it can be for dancing, development, or just listening. Research the purposes of different kinds of music for children.
  • Types of music used in films. The soundtrack is one of the main things we remember after watching a movie. There can be popular songs or tracks composed specifically for a film .
  • Rock bands that represent different subgenres.
  • Rap subgenres in the United States.
  • Periods of classical music.
  • What motivates people to start a musical career?
  • Different kinds of music for relaxation.
  • The industries where composers work .
  • Types of opera singers and instrumental music. 
  • Different professions in the music industry.  
  • Unpopular genres of independent music.
  • Different types of music listeners .

College Essay about Music: Topics

When you apply to your dream college, you need to write an impressive essay. Admissions officers pay attention not only to your grades and achievements but also to your personality. Your writing can indicate your motivation, academic interests, and how well you fit into the college.  Writing an essay about “music in my life” is a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity.  

Choose one of these topics related to music for your college essay:

  • The role of music in your life . Describe what music means to you, how often you listen to it, and how it helps you in life. For example, you can write about inspiration, motivation, or the sense of freedom that it gives you.
  • What are the essential aspects of music for you? Try to write down everything you like about music. It might be melodies, lyrics, vocals, or mood. You can choose several aspects if you feel that you can’t decide.
  • The time when music changed your life.  In this essay, you can pick one occurrence or describe how music changed your life gradually. It’s important to indicate where you started from and where it led you. 
  • How do you see the future of the music industry? Demonstrate to the admissions officer how well you know the art and the business.
  • Your  role model  in the music industry.  You may write about the qualities of the person you admire and why you want to develop them in yourself. Remember that admission officers want to read about you, not your idol.  
  • How did your musical  taste change over the last ten years?  Describe the evolution of your preferences. Explain why you have changed some of your past choices. Do you think your musical taste has improved?  
  • Your favorite musical genre .
  • Does listening to music help to heal body and spirit?
  • What is the best music performance you have ever seen?
  • Why do people become fans of particular musicians?
  • Your favorite song lyrics .
  • Can people be judged by their musical taste?
  • Why is music an essential part of human culture? 
  • Quote about music that appeals to you the most. 
  • How can music education help you in the future?
  • Do you prefer listening to music or performing it? 
  • How can music change your mood?
  • Why you want to become a musician.
  • Which culture has the most beautiful ethnical music?  
  • Is music more of an art or business?
  • What are the essential parts of musical education ?

Other Music Essay Topics

  • Why do supermarkets play music? Think of the reasons why marketers use music in advertising and how it impacts customer behavior.
  • An analysis of Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music . Evaluate how the director uses music to tell a story.
  • The impact of music on the human brain.  Examine the latest research in the mental health field and how music therapy affects depression treatments. 
  • The workings of the music industry . Assess how contemporary audio technology and touring lifestyle affect musicians.
  • The role of music in different cultures. Choose and compare two countries to analyze their perspectives on the music industry.
  • Music on television . Evaluate how the music of TV shows and movies impacts the audience’s feelings and behavior.
  • Oliver Sacks’ contribution to music psychology. Explore the theories he discusses in Musicophilia and describe its influence on music psychology.
  • Should all music be available for free download? Think about the ethical and legal aspects of this issue.
  • How did music psychology help the development of music education ? Try to find a correlation between these two fields.
  • Britney Spears and the adverse effects of teen popularity. Writing about this topic, you might want to focus on how her early fame affected her life. What happened after her famous breakdown in 2007?
  • The half-life of one-hit-wonders. Focus your paper on quantitative research. How long do one-hit-wonders stay famous on average? Why do they fail to maintain their success?
  • Journalism and the music industry. Examine the effects positive or negative press had on a musician of your choice.
  • Festivals and sponsorship.  Discuss the benefits that corporate sponsors and the creators of music festivals gain from working together. 
  • Rock songs and pessimistic lyrics.  Why do most popular rock songs have such sad and angry lyrics? 
  • Discuss the development of your music taste. Write about what pushed you to change and how it influenced your life.
  • The psychology of music.  Examine what someone’s favorite music genre can tell about their personality.
  • Is ASMR music? ASMR artists make quiet sounds to soothe their audience. But can we really consider it music?
  • A historical analysis of jazz. Explore how African Americans influenced the flourishing culture of jazz that has spread worldwide.
  • The effect of classical music on children’s cognitive abilities. Supposedly, classical music is great for kids. Study this theory and make your conclusions.
  • Discuss the characteristics of modern Latin American music . Dive into its diversity and describe the reasons for its popularity.
  • How do Chinese artists make traditional music? Write about its complex creation process. Analyze the importance of articulation for composers.
  • The history of music . With this essay, explore the six periods of music history. To top it off, you can predict what music will be like in the future.
  • The music industry goes online. Discuss the importance of the internet for the industry and the challenges associated with it.
  • The magic of instrumental music. Pick your favorite orchestra pieces and find unique features in each of them.
  • Musical education: the sound of success?  Does everyone need a musical background?
  • Explore the latest techniques in songwriting . Look into the song creation process of contemporary musicians. How do they get the audience to enjoy their art?
  • Compare and contrast e-pianos and keyboards. In doing so, consider their structure, sound, and features. 
  • The Woodstock festival as a game-changer. How has the Woodstock Music and Art Fair influenced the current state of the music industry? Additionally, investigate how current festivals hold up to the standards set by Woodstock.
  • Music therapy for stroke patients . Find out whether incorporating elements of music therapy can support the treatment of patients who suffered a stroke.
  • How do amplifiers work? If you’re a musician, you’ve likely used an amplifier before. Now it’s time to figure out what they are actually doing.
  • The Killers’ contributions to indie rock. How would you define their style of music? What makes them a key player in indie music?
  • Analyze the music in Grease . Pick some of the most popular songs from the musical and write about their influence on American culture.
  • What’s the best way to interpret songs?  Describe methods to deconstruct songs and how the music style affects this process. 
  • Teufel vs. Sennheiser: the ultimate comparison.  German sound equipment manufacturers are known for their cutting-edge technologies. But which brand is the best? 
  • What role does harmony play in music composition? Choose several pieces of music and describe how the artists used harmony.
  • How necessary are double bass drums? Do musicians place them on stage just to impress people, or do they have actual use?
  • Compare regular festivals and free ones. Why spend hundreds of dollars on Coachella if you can go to Woodstock for free? In your essay, focus on the differences such as size, participating artists, and general entertainment .
  • A historical analysis of choral music.  Singing in groups is a practice common across various cultures. You might choose one or two to work on.
  • How did The Rolling Stones influence British culture? The Rolling Stones are one of the longest-standing rock bands of all time. Naturally, this left significant marks on their home country.
  • How important are regional accents for English-language singers ? When working on this theoretical topic, include some examples and your personal opinion.
  • The world of musical instruments: medieval music.  This fun essay can focus on different types of medieval instruments and their evolution. 
  • Does the creative process differ for electronic and acoustic music? Look at how artists usually write songs. Do they start with the melody, the rhythm, or the lyrics? Does it depend on the medium? 
  • The correlation between poems and medieval songs.  Find out how composers were reinventing poetry to create songs. 
  • Hip-hop and gender equality . What is the role of women in the development of this music style? Don’t forget to give examples.
  • When politics interferes with art: Eurovision. Analyze the role of the political situation in this song contest. Is there anything left of its original idea?
  • How did Vladimir Vysotsky become a beloved musical figure outside of Soviet Russia? It’s unusual for Russian-language musicians to gain fame outside of their home country. Research how Vysotsky managed to mingle in the USA and have some of his work posthumously released in Europe.
  • K-pop conquers the world .  You may narrow the topic down to a specific artist. Focus on the influence of Korean music in other cultures. 
  • Music school students vs. amateurs. Discuss the different experiences and outcomes of music school students and those who learn to play instruments at home.
  • Do music choices shape one’s identity , or is it the other way around? It’s an exciting question that lets you dig deep into the psychology of music.
  • The music of dissents.  Energizing songs play an essential part in rebellions and revolutions. For example, analyze how protesters used music during the Arab Spring.
  • The development and popularity of electronic music.  Starting from the early experiments, analyze the development of this style and its increasing influence 
  • How do artists use social media to promote their music? You might want to choose one or two examples to illustrate the tools they use.
  • Organum as one of the oldest written types of music . Study the development of this music style throughout various cultures.
  • The appeal of Metallica’s  Nothing Else Matters. Many people consider the song one of their favorites. Examine its structure, melody, and lyrics. What makes it unique? 
  • Africa’s hidden musical gems.   African  music is as diverse as its people. Pick two countries and compare their style. How do they differ from Western art? 
  • Did people’s music  tastes improve compared to previous decades?  Here, you have the chance to express your views on the evolution of people’s music preferences.
  • Is the life of pop stars as easy as people think? Share your thoughts on whether famous musicians and singers have a leisurely lifestyle.
  • Physiological reactions to different types of music . Study how your body reacts to various beats and tones.
  • Why do people tend to listen to specific songs on certain occasions? In your essay, ponder the effects of love songs or powerful anthems on one’s  mood . 
  • What does someone’s ringtone say about their personality ? Think about how it affects your perception of a person.
  • The impact of music on the individual’s  productivity .  Studies suggest a positive effect on people’s performance when they listen to something pleasant while working. But all the noise can get overstimulating. That’s why finding the balance is central. 
  • Music is natural. In the depth of nature, there is music. Rain, a bird’s song, or the tapping of a squirrel’s feet melt together to create a beautiful composition. Music is everywhere—one only needs to listen carefully. 

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you’re welcome to use our topic generator .

✍️ Music Essay: How to Write

So, you have chosen your essay title. Now it’s time to start writing! But before you begin, read the sections below and learn how to organize your work.

How to Describe Music in Writing

You might think that writing about music is like dancing about architecture. Well, it is not an easy task, but we know how to cope with it.

Follow these tips while writing:

  • Make a comparison.  Explain which characteristics of a piece remind you or are identical to those of another one. It’s better to avoid comparing music from different composers in this case. Instead, evaluate and analyze two musical pieces from the same composer.
  • Describe the melody and dynamics.  You may want to use musical terms to show your knowledge and proficiency. Define the genre and what kind of instruments and tones are used.
  • Explain how it makes you feel.  You can use basic human emotions to describe the feelings of a listener. For example, it can be anger, tenderness, irritation, excitement, or nostalgia.
  • Use metaphorical language.  You may try using your imagination to create analogies. Be careful not to make your metaphors overcomplicated, as it may confuse the readers.

Essays about Music: Descriptive Words

Do you want your essay on music to be interesting and expressive? Then you may want to use descriptive vocabulary. Here are some of the terms that you can use in your essay to make it sound more professional:

  • Tempo is the “speed” of music. There are fixed expressions to define tempo—for example, largo, moderate, or presto. You can also describe how fast the music feels.
  • Timbre is the term that evaluates the “color” of music. Even if two instruments play the same note of the same volume, the sound is still different. This is how you can notice the color of the tone. For example, gentle, clear, heavy, or warm can be the adjectives to describe timbre.
  • Dynamics define the volume levels of music. The volume can be the same all the time, for example loud or soft. If the volume of music changes, you can use such expressions as “gradually gets louder” “or suddenly becomes soft.”
  • Harmony characterizes how all the notes and chords sound together. The sequence of chords—chord progression—defines how satisfying the melody is for the listener. For example, if the transitions are smooth, you can use such words as “relaxed” or “warm.”

Music Essay Outline

Like any other assignment, writing about music requires a proper essay outline that will guide you through the writing. The following sections will help you with that.

Before you start, here are some tips that will help you prepare for writing:

  • Do some prior research. Try to learn as much as possible about the piece you will be writing about. It’s also helpful to listen to the music several times with headphones to notice more details.
  • Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Consult your instructor if you’re unsure about your topic or the piece you have chosen.
  • Choose the topic that you like. If you’re passionate about a subject, it is always easier to write about it. Who said that homework could not be interesting?
  • Follow the recommendations that your instructor gives. It includes word limit, formatting style, deadline, and essay type.

Music Essay Introduction

The introduction is the section where you come up with a brief explanation of the topic. You may start it with a quotation, definition, or short statement that catches your reader’s attention and leads them to the essay subject.

A thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction that defines the content of body paragraphs. It needs to be specific and not longer than two sentences. If you decide to shift the focus of your essay while writing, it’s crucial to change your thesis too.

Different types of essays require different thesis statements. Let’s take a closer look:

Music Essay Body

Your essay’s body is the most significant part of your writing. Here, you provide evidence and explanations of your claims.

The typical body paragraph structure includes:

  • A topic sentence explaining the argument for a particular paragraph.
  • An introduction to the evidence you gathered to support an argument.
  • Quotes and facts (don’t forget about proper citation!) and their explanation.
  • A connection between the evidence and the essay topic.
  • Paragraph transitions  leading your reader to the next section.

Topic Sentence about Music

Topic sentences can be used as a roadmap to writing your essay. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that defines what the paragraph is about. It introduces the argument or main thought that will be explained. It’s also connected with the thesis statement.

It’s essential to make your thesis easy to understand, so it’s better not to overcomplicate it. For example, here’s an unsuccessful topic sentence with unnecessary words:

As stated above, the guitar is an essential musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Instead, you can formulate it like this:

The guitar is the most iconic musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Music Essay Conclusion

When writing a conclusion for your essay on music, you can use the following structure:

  • Summarize the text in a few sentences.
  • Review the key points of your paper.
  • Paraphrase the thesis.

To make your essay conclusion more effective, avoid the following:

📑 What Music Means to Me: Essay Example

Now you know all about writing an essay on music! To make it even easier for you, we’ve prepared an essay sample that you can use for inspiration. Check it out:

Now all you need is to turn the music on and get down to writing! We hope you liked this guide. If you did, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Good Critique Paper: Killer Tips + Examples
  • How to Write an Art Critique Essay: Guidelines and Examples
  • How to Write a Movie Critique Paper: Top Tips + Example
  • Modern Fairy Tale Essay: How to Write, Topics and Ideas
  • 200 Creative Topics for Opinion Essays
  • 182 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 180 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics

✏️ Music Essay FAQ

Music is a vast topic. An essay might deal with anything ranging from trends in the 1950s to the best guitarists of all time. Writing an introduction to certain music styles or bands is also possible. In any case, the paper should be well-structured, logical, and cohesive.

Writing about music doesn’t necessarily require any specific skills. If you’re not familiar with the theory of music and can’t play musical instruments, you can just write about the music you like. Here are some topic ideas: favorite music band, style, or how you perceive music.

You can interpret music as a topic in various ways. If you are getting a degree in this field, you might want to write something more specific and technical. If your essay aims to merely inform and entertain, write about your favorite music style or band.

If you are writing an essay for school, a good choice would be an expository essay. It doesn’t require any specific knowledge of the music industry. Title suggestions might be: “My perception of music,” “My favorite band,” “How music can change the world.”

  • What is the Music Industry? Definition and Facts: Study.com
  • What Music Do You Write To?: Writers & Artists
  • A Music Review: British Council
  • Music: UNC Writing Center: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Sound and Sense: Writing about Music: Colorado State University
  • Music analysis Research Papers: Academia.edu
  • The Power of Music Therapy: Belmont University
  • Musicology: Northwestern Bienen School of Music
  • Musicology: Areas of Study: Indiana State University
  • Music Facts: Facts.net
  • Music History from Primary Sources: Library of Congress
  • Music: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • A History of Classical Music: Part 1: The List
  • What Is Jazz: Smithsonian Institution
  • The 50 Greatest Composers of All Time: Classical Music
  • Musical Terms and Concepts: SUNY Potsdam
  • Ethnomusicology: University of Oxford
  • Music Research Process: Syracuse University
  • Journal of Popular Music Studies: University of California Press
  • The History of Pop Music in 5 Defining Decades: The Culture Trip
  • Music of the 20 th Century: Lumen Learning
  • Explainer: Indie Music: The Conversation
  • Your Brain on Music: University of Central Florida
  • Music and Health: Harvard University
  • The Psychological Function of Music Listening: NIH
  • Essays that Worked: Hamilton
  • Writing in Music: Writing Thesis Statements: The City University of New York
  • Academic Writing about Music: University of Denver
  • How to Write Song Lyrics: Berklee
  • Essay Introduction: University of Maryland
  • Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements: Purdue University
  • Writing Body Paragraphs: Monash University
  • Some Tips for Writing Efficient, Effective Body Paragraphs: University of California, Berkeley
  • Writing a Paper: Conclusions: Walden University
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

549 Excellent Globalization Topics for Writing & Presentations

Not everyone knows it, but globalization is not a brand-new process that started with the advent of the Internet. In fact, it’s been around throughout all of human history. This makes the choice of topics related to globalization practically endless.  If you need help choosing a writing idea, this Custom-Writing.org...

267 Hottest Fashion Topics to Write About in 2024

In today’s world, fashion has become one of the most significant aspects of our lives. It influences everything from clothing and furniture to language and etiquette. It propels the economy, shapes people’s personal tastes, defines individuals and communities, and satisfies all possible desires and needs. In this article, Custom-Writing.org experts...

124 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics + Examples

Early motherhood is a very complicated social problem. Even though the number of teenage mothers globally has decreased since 1991, about 12 million teen girls in developing countries give birth every year. If you need to write a paper on the issue of adolescent pregnancy and can’t find a good...

309 Human Rights Research Topics & Essay Ideas

Human rights are moral norms and behavior standards towards all people that are protected by national and international law. They represent fundamental principles on which our society is founded. Human rights are a crucial safeguard for every person in the world. That’s why teachers often assign students to research and...

233 Hottest Global Warming Essay Topics & Research Ideas 

Global warming has been a major issue for almost half a century. Today, it remains a topical problem on which the future of humanity depends. Despite a halt between 1998 and 2013, world temperatures continue to rise, and the situation is expected to get worse in the future. When it...

165 Bullying Research Topics: Qualitative & Quantitative

Have you ever witnessed someone face unwanted aggressive behavior from classmates? According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 1 in 5 students says they have experienced bullying at least once in their lifetime. These shocking statistics prove that bullying is a burning topic that deserves detailed research. In this...

120 Recycling Research Topics, Questions, & Essay Ideas 

Recycling involves collecting, processing, and reusing materials to manufacture new products. With its help, we can preserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save energy. And did you know that recycling also creates jobs and supports the economy? If you want to delve into this exciting topic in your...

260 Expository Essay Topics for School & College

Expository writing, as the name suggests, involves presenting factual information. It aims to educate readers rather than entertain or persuade them. Examples of expository writing include scholarly articles, textbook pages, news reports, and instructional guides. Therefore, it may seem challenging to students who are used to writing persuasive and argumentative...

444 Informative Essay Topics for College & School

Expository or informative essays are academic papers presenting objective explanations of a specific subject with facts and evidence. These essays prioritize balanced views over personal opinions, aiming to inform readers without imposing the writer’s perspective. Informative essays are widely assigned to students across various academic levels and can cover various...

A List of 181 Hot Cyber Security Topics for Research [2024]

Your computer stores your memories, contacts, and study-related materials. It’s probably one of your most valuable items. But how often do you think about its safety? Cyber security is something that can help you with this. Simply put, it prevents digital attacks so that no one can access your data....

A List of 339 Problem Solution Essay Topics & Questions

A problem solution essay is a type of persuasive essay. It’s a piece of writing that presents a particular problem and provides different options for solving it. It is commonly used for subject exams or IELTS writing tasks. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to write this...

550 Psychiatry & Psychology Research Topics to Investigate in 2024

Have you ever wondered why everyone has a unique set of character traits? What is the connection between brain function and people’s behavior? How do we memorize things or make decisions? These are quite intriguing and puzzling questions, right? A science that will answer them is psychology. It’s a multi-faceted...

Thank you very much for this post on music essay writing! You don’t know how long I looked for the helpful information on writing music essays!

Music takes an important part in my life. I wake up and go to bed listening to music. And now when I’m writing my music essay, I also listen to music. And it’s also a pleasure to read an article on how to write an essay on music!

Psychreg

The Role of Art and Music Therapies in Mental Health and Beyond

musical notes and earphones

Prescribing art therapy , yoga, and music lessons is truly a breakthrough for mental health treatment . I want to be completely clear here, this is a breakthrough, but not a breakthrough therapy per se. It is a huge step forward, on the level of readjusting our mental health system, it is really a systems course correction at the root of it. Art therapy, music, etc., all are tested modalities for improving mental health conditions; almost all of them. For chronic, highly disordered and severely dysfunctional patients, this is not a miracle cure. These are, at best, supplementary, tandem, and co-functioning treatment methods to mitigate the severity and intensity of symptoms.

I am not knocking or trying to minimise the importance of this breakthrough. These are not only important modalities in and of themselves, but also support the creativity , independence, and freedom of patients to not only choose their own method of care but also nourish their capacity to carry on treatment more autonomously without being under direct supervision . 

Even more importantly, the system is broken, in total if not complete disarray, and needs to be revised urgently if we are to advance treatment at the speed it requires to meet the mental health crisis where it’s at. These new prescribed modalities will not only serve to add ‘person-centredness’ to the paradigm but also new flexibility within the limits of the system.

Even highly disordered patients are extremely creative during their darkest hour. Art therapy, music, and all of these modalities which draw upon creativity and promote purposeful free-flowing ideas are as self-soothing as they are productive in reducing the negative impact of active symptoms.

I can tell you that I have benefited from a music or art group on an inpatient unit in the hospital many times. Some of my fondest memories from experiencing first-episode psychosis in the hospital were singing and dancing to Stevie Nicks , at my request, when I could barely speak from word salad symptoms and was just a few moments away from being transferred to a higher level of inpatient care for unresolved psychosis. But I danced and laughed like the floor was on fire.

Art, music, yoga, all of these modalities are terribly inaccessible to most patients living off state benefits, who are consigned to a life shut-in and isolated in their homes. Aside from ‘getting out more’, these patients simply don’t have the resources to pay for and maintain a connection to art therapists and other more non-traditional treatment in the community. Unless you are connected to a special service or have the best insurance, these modalities simply aren’t an option for most service users and people with a severe mental health condition.

I truly applaud this shift in the systems paradigm that for so long was all about medication and traditional psychotherapy. We really need more of this in countries supposedly promoting better mental health treatment.

I also want to suggest that therapists who practice traditional talk therapy , straight CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can continue to add new self-soothing and proven techniques to their toolkit. I am always encouraging my student therapists to do artwork, let their children dance in therapy. Yes, you read this right, just dance, when the time is right and fits the course of treatment.

We need to get out of this traditional black and white thinking of what therapy is and is not . Therapy is what people need in the moment, to feel and behave in a manner that better suits their goals, chosen lifestyle, and needs. So with this said, why not let a child who is struggling to adjust to a new foster parent, dance in session when he can’t play at home. Sure, not for every session and for the duration of every patient contact, but sometimes, when it will benefit the patient, you just have to do it. 

Yes, this is truly a breakthrough in thinking among us practitioners and the higher-ups in our discipline who say what’s what in mental health treatment. It signals that we need to be dynamic, and shift our thinking as practitioners, peers, and anyone charged with providing therapeutic intervention . It is high time we see more of it, from government-sponsored care and any system which is charged with the care of people with a psychiatric disability, or who needs therapeutic intervention to find relief from whatever problem in their life is causing them distress.

Max E. Guttman, LCSW  is a psychotherapist and owner of Recovery Now, a mental health private practice in New York City.

VIEW AUTHOR’S PROFILE

Related Articles

Mental health awareness week: 6 ways you can benefit from movement in therapy, how physiotherapy can help your mental health: exploring the mind-body connection, how green spaces boost community well-being, how to use fitness to combat stress and anxiety, daily exercise your key to better mental resilience – here’s why, 5 best workouts for improving your mental health, 10 benefits of kindness, healthy habits every future healthcare professional should follow, wood burning appliances can improve your well-being at home – here’s why, 10 tips to boost your postpartum mental health, metformin reduces dementia risk in elderly diabetics, 4 crucial home additions that can help boost your wellness, how animals can support mental and emotional health, mindful recovery: integrating mental wellness into your personal injury journey, norwegian study links childhood trauma to adolescent mental health issues, poor oral health linked to higher dementia risk, the connection between stress and pelvic health, psychologist shares what it’s like to experience burnout as an autistic person, clearmind announces agreement with hebrew university yissum tech transfer for psychedelic compounds to treat mental disorders, surprising factors that can impact mental health for better or worse, “we must put the right measures in place to safeguard teachers’ mental health” – warns expert, how addressing the mental health of millennials and gen z benefits upcoming generations, world mental health experts join summit to solve “brain health emergency” on 24th april, chiva-som hua hin encourages reflection on wellness with additional special benefits and experiences.

psychreg logo-large

Psychreg is a digital media company and not a clinical company. Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis.

  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2014–2034 Psychreg Ltd

  • PSYCHREG JOURNAL
  • MEET OUR WRITERS
  • MEET THE TEAM
  • EssayBasics.com
  • Pay For Essay
  • Write My Essay
  • Homework Writing Help
  • Essay Editing Service
  • Thesis Writing Help
  • Write My College Essay
  • Do My Essay
  • Term Paper Writing Service
  • Coursework Writing Service
  • Write My Research Paper
  • Assignment Writing Help
  • Essay Writing Help
  • Call Now! (USA) Login Order now
  • EssayBasics.com Call Now! (USA) Order now
  • Writing Guides

Music Therapy (Essay Sample) 2023

Table of Contents

Music Therapy

How Can I Get Essay For Free and Is it realistic to expect a low-cost, High-Quality Essay from a Cheap Paper Writing Service ?

Essay Writing

Music therapy is a non spoken method to the individual that uses music and instruments in general, using interventions in accomplishing individual aims within a medicinal relationship by an expert who has finished a recommended music treatment program. Music treatment is one the expressive treatments that consists of a procedure in which a music healer is using music and all of its features; spiritual, aesthetic, social, mental, emotional, and physical in helping clients manage one’s mental and physical health. Music healers are generally helping clients manage one’s health in several fields, like quality of life, motor skills, cognitive functioning, and emotional development by utilizing both passive and active music backgrounds like listening, dancing, singing, free improvising, and discussing of music to be achieving treatments aims. There is broad quantitative and qualitative study literature foundation which is incorporating psychotherapy, musical acoustics, music theory, sensory integration, aesthetics of music, and clinical therapy. This paper attempts to outline musical therapy and how it is used to treat certain disorders.

Music treatment occurs in two various types: receptive and active. In active treatment, the patient and the therapist are actively participating to create music with one’s voice, instruments, and alternative devices. This is allowing the patient to be expressive and creative thought the craft of music. Receptive treatment is taking place in amore loosen surrounding where the healer is playing or making music to the patient who is free to depict, meditate or listen. Normally, the healer is determining the technique unless precisely asked by the client or patient. Music has been discovered to be a successful instrument for music healers through broad studies. It is helpful for any person both mentally and physically, through improved learning, stimulation of the brain, reduced anxiety, and improved heart rate. Music healers are using their methods in helping one’s clients or patients in many domains. That ranges from stress comfort before and after medical surgeries, to neuropathologies like Alzheimer’s illness. One research discovered that children, who meditated to music while containing an IV interposed into their arms, were showing less discomfort and were feeling less pain that the children who did not meditate to music while containing an IV introduced in one’s arm.

Procedures utilized in music treatment that have surfaced from the domain of music training comprise Kodaly Method, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and Orff Schulwerk. Versions that emerged directly out of music treatment are music, Bonny technique of lead imagery, Nordoff Robbins music treatment, and neurologic music treatment.  Music healers may function with people who possess behavioral emotional irregularities. To satisfy the requirements of this group, music healers have considered today’s psychological speculations and utilized them as a fountain for various kinds of music treatments. Various versions comprise psychodynamic treatment, cognitive behavioral treatment, and behavioral treatments. Music treatment has many advantages which are contributing to the sustenance of health and the push toward rehabilitation of children. Listening to music may be improving heart rate, blood pressure in those individuals with coronary heart disease, and respiratory rate according to a 2013 Cochrane evaluation.

In conclusion, music therapy is a non spoken method to the individual that uses music and instruments in general, using interventions in accomplishing individual aims within a medicinal relationship by an expert who has finished a recommended music treatment program. Music healers are using music and all its features in helping their patients to attain therapeutic aims through the establishment of therapeutic and musical associations. Music treatment is a mental treatment that is aiming to provide positive outcomes in psychological well being.

music therapy persuasive essay

IMAGES

  1. ≫ Understanding Music Therapy Free Essay Sample on Samploon.com

    music therapy persuasive essay

  2. Persuasive Speech: Music is the best therapy

    music therapy persuasive essay

  3. ≫ Art and Music Therapy in Psychotherapy Free Essay Sample on Samploon.com

    music therapy persuasive essay

  4. 80+ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music 2024

    music therapy persuasive essay

  5. Music Therapy Example Narrative Essay Example

    music therapy persuasive essay

  6. 50 Free Persuasive Essay Examples (+BEST Topics) ᐅ TemplateLab

    music therapy persuasive essay

VIDEO

  1. Persuasive Speech Meditation and Therapy

  2. Weaponizing Therapy Speak: Unveiling the Shadows: Delving into the Dark Side of Therapy Speak

  3. Taylor Ebertowski : Persuasive (Art and Music Therapy)

  4. Presentation of Research-Persuasive Essay Outline

  5. The Persuasive Trombone Of Urbie Green

  6. Persuasive Goodness

COMMENTS

  1. Music Therapy: Why Doctors Use it to Help Patients Cope

    Music has also been used successfully to support recovery after surgery. A study published in The Lancet in 2015 reported that music reduced postoperative pain and anxiety and lessened the need ...

  2. 80 Music Therapy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Music Therapy as Experiential Activity. For this reason, a technique was applied to the 10-year-old child with developmental delays to transform the lyrics of the favorite sad melody into a more positively inspiring and uplifting one. We will write. a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts.

  3. The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being

    Recent research suggests that music engagement not only shapes our personal and cultural identities but also plays a role in mood regulation. 1 A 2022 review and meta-analysis of music therapy found an overall beneficial effect on stress-related outcomes. Moreover, music can be used to help in addressing serious mental health and substance use ...

  4. Music Therapy Essay Example [2170 Words]

    The concept of music therapy. Music therapy in its simplest definition is the use of music and all its facets to improve an individual's mental and physical health. It involves the use of music by a professional, as a form of intervention to attain certain goals in a therapeutic process. The goals, in this case, can be emotional, physical ...

  5. Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy

    Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy. Advocating Music Therapy: Where it is and Where it Should Be Music therapy is not a person with Alzheimer's listening to his or her favorite songs on an iPod with headphones; however, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.

  6. How and Why Music Can Be Therapeutic

    Music can also be used to bring a more p ositive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay. The uplifting sound of music and the positive or cathartic messages conveyed in lyrics can improve mental state as well. Having a more positive state of mind as a baseline can help prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on the ...

  7. The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment Term Paper

    Music has a supernatural way of stimulating the sensory organs and enhancing the physical, psychological, and cognitive processes of the patients. The therapy promotes stress management, and it enhances the memory, which would otherwise be impossible under normal biomedical treatments.

  8. Music Therapy Argumentative Essay

    Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy. Music therapy is not a person with Alzheimer's listening to his or her favorite songs on an iPod with headphones; however, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Music therapy is only advocated in three states: North ...

  9. How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

    Music allows us to communicate love, frustration, pain, and all this other mixture of emotions easily. Sometimes words fail to capture what we truly feel, but the music never does. You can write a music therapy essay about this topic. Music is also linked with cultural identity. It represents the nation's core values and what they stand for.

  10. Argumentative Essay: The Benefits Of Music Therapy

    Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy. Music therapy is not a person with Alzheimer's listening to his or her favorite songs on an iPod with headphones; however, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Music therapy is only advocated in three states: North ...

  11. Informative On Music Therapy: [Essay Example], 770 words

    The Benefits of Music Therapy. Music therapy has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities. One of the most well-known benefits is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to calming music or participating in music-making activities can have a soothing effect on the mind and body.

  12. The potential of music therapy: [Essay Example], 2049 words

    The goal of music therapy is to determine changes in a patient, either behavioral or emotional. These changes are sustained by the changes in the brain. According to professor Stegemuller, there are three principles of neuroplasticity that could explain how music therapy works. The first one is the brain's reward circuitry.

  13. Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy

    Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy. Music therapy is the clinical use of music to achieve individual goals and improve relationships; it is also considered a form of Psychotherapy (Music Therapy Medicine). Melodies and harmonies are used to transport patients to new and safe places. The sweet rhythms brings peace and relaxation to stressed minds.

  14. What is music therapy, and how does it work?

    Benefits. For anxiety. For depression. In children. Summary. Music therapy involves using a person's responses and connections to music to encourage positive changes in mood and overall well ...

  15. Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy

    In fact, music therapy has been a great interest worldwide. The World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT), which is the only international NPO for music therapy since 1985, has been updating the current status of music therapy of 32 countries and one region all over the world since 2008 (WFMT, n.d.).

  16. The Healing Power of Music Therapy Free Essay Example

    Views. 1546. Music therapy is making use of music by healthcare experts to promote healing and improve quality of life for their clients. Music treatment might be utilized to encourage emotional expression, promote social interaction, eliminate symptoms, and for other purposes. Music therapists may utilize active or passive techniques with ...

  17. Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy

    Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy. Good Essays. 1339 Words. 6 Pages. Open Document. Numerous people around the world experience chronic or severe pain. Twenty-five million adults in America alone have experienced ongoing pain in the past few months and the effects can be numerous (Bushak). Chronic pain like this can cause discomfort ...

  18. Persuasive Speech: Music is the best therapy

    Persuasive Speech: Music is the best therapy Introduction Attention getter: Music is an essential part of life. Every one of us has that particular song or genre of song that he or she loves listening to when performing a specific activity of routine since in one way or the other the song gets him/her in the mood of performing the activity in question.

  19. 267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]

    Learn how to write an awesome ★ argumentative or persuasive essay about music 🎵 from this article! Get 267 great music essay topics & ideas. ... Music therapy can help people with mental illnesses. It's a well-known fact that music affects the human brain. This ability makes it perfect for treating mental health problems.

  20. Persuasive Speech Outline

    Example of an outline for a Persuasive speech. music therapy how music can be therapeutic college spch introduction gad: who here has put music on just to. Skip to document ... Music therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed ...

  21. The Role of Art and Music Therapies in Mental Health and Beyond

    1.1K Reading Time: 3 minutes. Prescribing art therapy, yoga, and music lessons is truly a breakthrough for mental health treatment.I want to be completely clear here, this is a breakthrough, but not a breakthrough therapy per se. It is a huge step forward, on the level of readjusting our mental health system, it is really a systems course correction at the root of it.

  22. Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy

    Persuasive Essay About Music Therapy. However, music therapy was never widely accepted. Their organization often lacks funding (Wollen, 225). Professional acknowledgement can sometimes be hard to come by as a lot of people do not quite understand the full value of music therapy or its goals and accomplishments (Wollen, 227). These are reason ...

  23. Music Therapy (Essay Sample) 2023

    Music Therapy, Essay Sample 2023 - Essay Basics. 15% First Time Customer Discount. Order now! Fill out the order form step-by-step. We need you to be detailed. 12.95$.