Music and Medicine

This book sheds light on the complementing and enhancing effects of musical activities on health, well-being and quality of life from the perspective of interdisciplinary, musicological, social, and neurosciences. High-ranking experts in a wide range of fields present the scientific basis for adjuvant therapeutic applications in clinical and non-clinical contexts. The research questions range from the psychophysiological foundations of the emotional effects of listening to music to music medicine practices and music therapy interventions to alleviate mental and physical health issues. Findings suggest that musical activities entail large potential as virtually side-effect-free and cost-efficient supportive strategies in prevention, therapy and rehabilitation in medical practice.

A broad spectrum of musical activities, including listening to music, amateur music-making, choral singing and dancing are shown to be amenable to the requirements of different target groups, preferences, cultural backgrounds, and health conditions. The volume also entails chapters dedicated to the use of music during the COVID-19 pandemic and concludes with a section on stress and negative health consequences caused by maladaptive musical practices.

Doctors and medical staff in social and nursing professions receive in-depth information about the opportunities and limitations of music-related programmes. The chapters are also suitable as an introduction for scientists from numerous disciplines in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities as well as undergraduare students.