ABSTRACT
Modern music therapy developed in the USA to support veterans with serious injuries returning from the second world war. The impact of music on psychological well-being and good health is largely, although not exclusively, through the emotions it evokes. Music elicits emotions and changes moods through its stimulation of the autonomic nervous system. Music making can help in controlling emotions. Adults participating in musical groups report increased feelings of belonging, social adjustment, trust and co-operation and changes in relationships including reduced prejudice in communities which have been in conflict. Music has been used in the criminal justice system with young and adult offenders with a view to increasing self-esteem. Music making can increase vitality. It provides opportunities to demonstrate existing skills and acquire new ones, can provide a structure to life and offers opportunities to develop friendships, engage in social interaction, get relief from family and work pressures and provide spiritual fulfilment and pleasure.
