MUSIC THERAPY THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES

Abstract

This paper represented a modest attempt to depict a short history of the music therapy for those who have participated in the International Conference on Music Therapy – The Role of Music in Therapy and Pedagogy. We are well aware of the fact that music has always played an important part in the evolution of humanity, moreover, some scientists would argue, that our ancestors developed musical skills even before they could talk. Consequently, it seems only natural to investigate upon the history of the therapeutic effects of music from the earliest ages, also on the manner in which people have viewed this aspect and employed the ‘magical’ powers of music. Our symbolic journey will take us from the shamanism of ancient times to the scientific viewpoint of the 21^st century, when music is full heartedly employed in alleviating more or less serious physical or psychological illnesses.