Rethinking Music Therapy From the Perspective of Bio-politics

Abstract

In this article, I intend to reconsider music therapy process from the perspectives of bio-power and bio-politics by Foucault (1977, 1990), Agamben (1998, 1999) and Hardt & Negri (2000, 2004).

My interest is in the political implications of music therapy. I examine discussions of music therapists on the first session of Edward that appeared in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (2003). In this article, a predilection to culturally acceptable musical expression is suggested. This musical integration might increase "possibilities of action" or might be a process of civilization (social conformity). When I position these arguments beside bio-politics, the discourses are exclusively discussed from the side of bios, or civilization. Little concern seems to be rendered from the perspective of zoe.

Can the cultural inclusion through music therapy really help clients construct identities? To go beyond this, I introduce Hardt and Negris' concept of multitude. This concept seems to resonate with many recent music therapists' intentions. The new ways of music making and therapy that can respect the singularity of musical expressions. I suggest that common ideas might be more acceptable within this conceptual framework.