World Music Therapy Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

World Music Therapy Day is observed annually on March 1 as a global celebration of the therapeutic value of music. People have always recognised and acknowledged the effectiveness and benefits of music. There exists a clinical field of music therapy. Music therapists use music to assist individuals, particularly children, those with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and the elderly. Music therapy is a well-established health profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Music therapy is not limited to therapists playing or recommending specific types of music to calm and meet the needs of their clients. People who find it difficult to communicate through words can actually communicate through music through music therapy.

The background of World Music Therapy Day

World Federation of Music Therapy (W.F.M.T.) established World Music Therapy Day in 2016. The World Federation for Music Therapy defines music therapy as the use of music and/or its musical elements with a client or group by a qualified music therapist. In 1985, ten founding members from around the globe established the World Federation of Music Therapy in Italy. They originated from Argentina, France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Poland.

Music therapy existed long before the World Federation of Music Therapy was founded. Egyptian priest-physicians used music for healing in 5000 B.C. Plato and Aristotle argued about the emotional benefits of music and emphasised its potential use in the treatment of mental disorders. Hippocrates played music for his patients with mental illness as early as 400 B.C. Additionally, music therapy has been a part of many cultures. Son of the ancient Greek god of music Apollo, Aesculapius was rumoured to have cured diseases of the mind with music and songs. Native American medicine men in the United States used chants and dances to heal patients. In numerous other cultures, medicine men and native doctors used incantations, musical chants, and dances to treat patients, particularly those with mental disorders.

With the contributions of 16th- and 17th-century scholars such as Ernst Anton Nicolai, Michael Ernest Ettmuller, and Robert Burton, music therapy began to gain more prominence in the field of medicine over time. During World Wars I and II, when musicians travelled from hospital to hospital playing music for soldiers suffering from emotional and physical trauma, these theories were also put into practise. As a field of therapeutic medicine, music therapy gained acceptance in the 20th century.

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5 MUSIC THERAPY FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Over 1.6 million people are served by music therapists annually, and the number is still rising.

Contrary to the common belief that music therapy is primarily for children, it can be utilised by individuals of all ages.

The ability to sing or play a musical instrument is not required to benefit from music therapy.

Music therapy is not only utilised for the treatment of mental disorders, but also addiction and substance abuse.

Physically, music therapy can aid in improved respiration, lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension.

WORLD MUSIC THERAPY DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 1	Wednesday
2024	March 1	Friday
2025	March 1	Saturday
2026	March 1	Sunday
2027	March 1	Monday