Reflections on the Pre-Musical Moment

Abstract

Patients in hospitals frequently have little choice about attending music therapy sessions. This, in addition to the novelty of music therapy as a treatment, may make both patient and therapist uncomfortable. The patient is unsure as to what to expect, and the music therapist uncertain as to how much to say—or leave unsaid. This article draws on the author's experience as a music therapist in a small adult psychiatric hospital. It is an attempt at examining the pre-musical moment at the time when both the patient and the music therapist are engaged in sharing their expectations and anxieties, and in negotiating a resolution before the musical-therapeutic process can begin.