Unique characteristics of music
improvisation in music therapy
Introduction
- We can explain the unique characteristics of
music improvisation in music therapy by two
ways:
- Describing differences between the use of
music improvisation and pre-composed music in
the brain.
- Describing the uniques characteristics of music
improvisation in the clinical practice.
Music improvisation in the brain
- Investigators compared brain processing during
memorized versus spontaneous musical processes
(they called these overlearned and improvised,
respectively) on two different levels.
- A simple scalar level and a more complex harmonic
progression.
-
Beckstead, David (2013) Improvisation: Thinking and Playing Music. Music Educators
Journal,99: 69
Music improvisation in the brain
- The results are fascinating on two fronts.
- First, there seemed to be no difference in terms of
cognitive processing between a simple, quarter-note,
scalar improvisation and the more rhythmically complex
harmonic improvisation.
- Second, and on a much deeper level, it appears, despite
the similarity of scalar and harmonic association in the
tasks, that improvised or spontaneous playing seems to
involve an entirely different area of the prefrontal cortex
than does performing memorized or read passages.
Music improvisation in the brain
- Furthermore, such spontaneous playing actually
deactivates the areas associated with overlearned
playing (lateral portions of the prefrontal cortex) and
activates portions of the medial prefrontal cortex
(MPFC).
- To put it in context, the MPFC (although poorly
understood) seems to be associated with “multiple
cognitive functions in the pursuit of behavioral goals”
and “maintaining an overriding set of intentions while
executing a series of diverse behavioral subroutines.”
Music improvisation in the brain
- As well, the portions of the prefrontal cortex activated
during overlearned playing (and deactivated during
improvisation) are associated with more typical, schoollike cognitive processing such as planning, stepwise
implementation of tasks, and effortful problem solving.
- In short, it appears that we access the region of the brain
associated with sequence, planning, and problem
solving when we play memorized or read passages.
Music improvisation in the brain
- During improvisation, we deactivate this region and
switch to cognitive processing associated with
meditation, daydreaming, and complex, long-term
multitasking.
-
Manzano, Örjan; Ullén, Fredrik (2012) Activation and connectivity patterns of the
presupplementary and dorsal premotor areas during free improvisation of melodies
and rhythms. NeuroImage 63;272–280.
Music improvisation in music
therapy as unique method
- Improvisation is a primary method of work for many
music therapists, assuming that “the sounds we make
can represent us, and that improvised music can provide
the framework for an interpersonal relationship between
a therapist and client(s).
Wigram, T. (2004). Improvisation. Methods and techniques for music therapy clinicians,
educators, and students. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Music improvisation in music
therapy as unique method
- The immediacy, involvement, and unpredictability of
improvisations apply to an individual’s attention and
listening, to his or her activity and creativity, awareness
and presence .
Ansdell, G. (1995). Music for life. Aspects of creative music therapy with adult clients.
London: Jessica Kingsley.
Music improvisation in music
therapy as unique method
-The temporal organization in improvisations acts as a physical
framework for the participation of client and therapist.
- The improvisation offers “a moment by- moment scaffolding on
which people can develop their own embodied musical
participation”.
- A person in improvisational music therapy does not need to fit
into a given musical structure, nor conform to the tempo of a
precomposed song, but actively creates the temporal
organization of the song.
Unique and essential principles in IMT for
children with ASD
(TIME-A treatment guide)
• FACILITATE MUSICAL & EMOTIONAL ATTUNEMENT.
• SCAFFOLD INTERACTIONS DYNAMICALLY
• TAP INTO SHARED HISTORY OF (MUSICAL)
INTERACTION
• FACILITATE ENJOYMENT