Conclusions and Future Directions

Abstract

Because different people have different music preferences based on their prior experience and cultural background, one size does not fit all when it comes to Music-Based Interventions (MBI): music deemed sublime by one person may be judged as cacophonic by another. There is an inherent tension between the appreciation of music for its aesthetic qualities and the use of music as a treatment and/or invitation to enter a therapeutic process for patients living with neurological diagnoses. Context and intent (e.g., performance for aesthetic appreciation vs. music played for therapeutic purposes) are crucial when making the distinction between an artist’s and a music therapist’s rendering of the same song. However, it is important to acknowledge that a patient may perceive the former as therapeutic and the latter as having aesthetic qualities. In this chapter, we share our perspectives on future work necessary to improve our understanding of the mechanisms for MBI. We consider MBI selection and implementation as a co-constructed, nuanced process that centers the therapist’s knowledge concurrently with the patients’ own knowledge and preferences. We posit several important questions to consider when utilizing MBI in practice. By embracing the multifaceted nature of music, we can bridge the gap between science, medicine, and the arts, ultimately paving the way for improved neurological care and enhanced well-being for individuals living with neurological diagnoses.