Anatomy of a Musical Being: A Music Systems Theory of Music Therapy

Abstract

The goal of this essay is to work towards an answer to the question, ‘Why is music effective as therapy?’ The general features of the music state, as experienced in therapy, are outlined.  Through a step by step process the author integrates features common to all natural systems in coming to a music-centered answer to the question of effectiveness by outlining a new contribution to music therapy discourse, the Music Systems Theory.