Music and spirituality: Explanations and implications for music therapy

Abstract

Previous literature in music therapy suggests a need for greater clarity and insight concerning correlations between music and spirituality for the modern clinician. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of these correlations and some possible implications for the practice of music therapy. My method is one of ‘reflective synthesis’ – combining theoretical knowledge from several disciplines with my own, practical experience with clients – to bring forward key working, concepts. This will include (1) presenting a rationale for the therapist’s study of spirituality; (2) clarifying some basic terms; (3) asking three important questions concerning a human life and viewing them through the lens of spirituality and music; (4) linking the first of these questions to awareness of transcendence; (5) answering the second question in light of purpose and meaning; (6) explaining how spirituality provides connection to the other; (7) illustrating the correlations in a clinical vignette, and as a conclusion; (8) suggesting implications this may have for the music therapist; and (9) offering some reasonable cautions for integrating spirituality into a music therapy practice.