Applications of Music for Migrants

Abstract

The importance of music for health and wellbeing dates back to antiquity. Its role in society as a whole, but also on an individual level, has remained seminal, and its therapeutic efficacy is indisputable whether it is part of larger group-based activities or for personal emotion regulation. Music therapy is an eminent resource in building cohesion in and between groups. Music is often considered a universal language; this, combined with its capability to address psychological, physical, social, and spiritual issues, lends itself to therapeutic appositeness. This can be seen in individuals and groups who have undergone huge upheaval, whether geographical or otherwise. This chapter addresses the use of music therapy with migrants, methods and interventions applied in such situations, and the potentials in treating symptoms resultant of such physical, emotional, and cultural upheaval.