Music therapy has been unable to define its place in modern psychiatry. Its role as a dynamic treatment process is misunderstood or not accepted at all. The sparatic and inappropriate use of music reflects this situation. It seems that there is a common belief that music has an inherent healing power, ie, "Music hath charms that sooth the savage beast." This is almost undisputed, but what is the evidence? Music has been a companion of man throughout his existence. It is an expression of his feelings, his intellect, and his culture, but how is it therapy?
Music in Therapy edited by E. Thayer Gaston attempts to give an overview of psychiatry, physical medicine, research, and relates music therapy to each. The text is an accumulation of 60 contributors written by educators, therapists, and researchers. It is divided into ten parts including sections on the retarded, physically disabled, geriatrics, autism, behavior