A baby with hydrocephalus who was told he would never laugh in his life has grown to the point where he can hold a solo exhibition of paintings and calligraphy... A patient in a vegetative state with poor vision has recovered to the point where he can play the electric guitar... Musical movement therapy works with each patient, encouraging rehabilitation and unlocking new abilities by sharing the joy of moving their bodies to music on a trampoline. This book introduces its know-how and neuroscience and physiological key points with numerous case examples.
When my cousins and I got together as children, we would often jump up and down on the bouncy mattresses and sofas. We would often get so excited we'd scream, only to be caught and scolded by our parents.
Dr. Ryo Noda's musical movement therapy amplifies the familiar childhood excitement with live music synchronized with the up and down movement of the trampoline, further invigorating patients' will to live. When hearing about severe brain damage, terminal cancer, or a vegetative state, even laypeople and medical professionals tend to assume that patients should rest. However, Dr. Noda has overturned this conventional wisdom by carefully assessing each patient's symptoms and implementing music therapy.
He has also worked closely with patients and children with autism, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and other conditions that make communication difficult or cause involuntary movements, developing therapeutic programs tailored to each individual.
Some of the remarkable results have been featured on NHK General TV ("Tomo-kun Spoke! The Challenge of Musical Movement Therapy," July 21, 1997) and Fuji TV ("Best House 123," September 9, 2009), garnering attention.
This introductory book, using numerous case studies, explains the know-how and theoretical background of music therapy, which requires a rich sense of humanity and high musicality. Recommended for those aspiring to become music therapy therapists, as well as those seeking therapy and their families.
(From the editor in charge)
