The quote, “when words fail, music speaks” is undoubtedly extremely cheesy. However, I see the truth in it more and more with each session I lead. I both observe and lead multiple clients that are nonverbal. This does not stop these people from entering into meaningful interactions and relationships. That is where the magic of music comes in, although we all know it isn’t really magic, there is actual science behind it. Music provides a whole new way to communicate and enter into relationship. For example, a music therapist could take the seeming random clapping seen in the behavior of a client and make a body percussion experience out of it. Another client who makes different vocalizations on a non-sense syllable can have those sounds mirrored and incorporated into a song. There are so many ways to take whatever a client gives in a session and make it meaningful, validating that person’s unique interpersonal skill set. By simply playing a song that is preferred by a client and encouraging them to interact with the music, that client is able to enter into an interaction in a different way that does not require any verbalizations at all. The importance of the therapeutic relationship is seen so clearly here. When a solid relationship is formed the music therapist begins to be able to adapt their music to better suit the different vocalizations or musical behaviors exhibited by a client. So often these people may be told to just be quiet because their way of communicating may just sound like a collection of noises. In music therapy their way of interacting can gain even more meaning and be validated. So much of music therapy is centered around making meaningful experiences for the client to participate in. I don’t think there is any arguement in saying that entering into a musical conversation with someone who would otherwise be nonverbal is pretty meaningful.
Playing music and jamming out with clients can be so meaningful because they are able to enter into a social interaction without the barrier of expression through words. With one client I see I can tell whether she is feeling well or not simply by the way she engages with the music I am playing. A relationship has been built through our musical interactions that has helped me see how she plays on a good day and a not so good day.
Self-expression and connecting with others are incredibly important, but it can be incredibly difficult for those who communicate in different ways. Music is an easily accessible way for people to interact with others and express how they are feeling. I am consistently amazed by how music breaks down barriers between people in creating a whole new way for them to interact with the world around them. So, like I said before, the quote is extremely cheesy, but I can’t deny the truth behind it. When words fail, or are inaccessible, music provides a way for people to speak and communicate in a different and effective way. If you didn’t already think music is cool, you definitely should now.
