The use of Music in Group Therapy

Abstract

Pythagoras appears to have been the first to recognize “the profound effect of music upon the senses and emotions.” He tried to influence the mind and body with what he termed “musical medicine” (1).He declared that the soul could be purified from its irrational influences, and he made detailed investigations into the therapeutic value of the seven different Greek keys. Pythagoras is said to have cured many mental illnesses “by having certain specially prepared musical compositions played in the presence of the sufferer.” For example, Iamblichus, in his life of Pythagoras, relates how he devised certain melodies against despondency, others against anger and still others against desires.