appendix a a) experts opinion -...

APPENDIX A

A) EXPERTS OPINION:

Separate Questionnaires for various disciplines like Music Therapists, Musicians,

Psychologists, Special-Educators and Music Therapy Patients were formulated,

that are given below: -

I. Questionnaire for Music therapists

Answered by

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Musician, Music Therapist & clinical research associate in

Pune, data received via email and a telephonic interview.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Veena player & Music Therapist in Hyderabad, data via

telephonic interview.

Ms. Shreya Qazi – Music therapist in Canada, data via email.

Ques 1: Do you think music is Therapeutic?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya – Yes. I would say music accelerates the efficacy of medicines so

can be said to be therapeutic.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Yes.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - Yes Music, one of life’s greatest pleasures, has power – the power

to ignite a sprint on the treadmill, bring a tear to the eye. Music also has the power to

help heal, which is why I often use it as a relaxation aid for my patients. By playing

music that pulses at about 60 beats per minute, my patients can get a well-deserved

break from the daily stress and start to stimulate their body’s own healing response,

more deeply and in less time.

Ques 2: What changes takes place in our mind and body at a molecular &

neurological level when one is exposed to musical vibrations?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Musical vibrations are produced by the accurate frequency of

each swar. The distance between two swar is shruti. So when we say vibration it

should be because of that swar and not sound of music. I have seen many time it is

said that the music causes vibration. But this is not true. Every swar has its own

frequency and hence it vibrates with differently. To explain you better I would quote

an example here of Raag Bhoop. Though all swaras in this raag are shudh still its that

is Kalyan this is because of the frequency of Madhyam used in avrohi while singing

gandhar. Ideally Madhyam is absent in Bhoop but still its kan is used hence its thaat is

Kalyan. So now when we make a patient make listern to these frequencies when

accurately played it causes neurological changes in brain mostly the endorphin and

serotonin levels. This is because they are more susceptible to alter upon vibration.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Well, neurologically it helps to calm the brain.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - I feel a neuro –psychologist will do a better justice to answer this

question.

Ques 3: In your opinion, which out of the two approaches - interactive (active)

music or recorded (passive) music, makes a stronger psychological impact and

why?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - According to me recorded or passive music makes more impact.

This is because in recorded music I am sure of using the correct and accurate swar of

that raag thus giving justice to that raag. But when playing interactive one there is a

chance of the player having his/her emotions at that point affecting the concert. So if I

am using music as a ‘Therapy’ I will go for recorded one. Moreover recorded tracks

are easy to use directly for the patients using headphones thus making sure patient is

listerining each swar.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – I believe active music therapy has a stronger impact because the

brain of the client gets actively involved in music making and that works for him. I

work with neurotic children and this approach has been observed to be quite

successful.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - An active and interactive approach makes a stronger impact and

the reason behind that the positive impact by free improvisation, using unorganized

vocal sounds and other different techniques on patient.

Ques 4: Analyzing the social, behavioral and cognitive functioning of the patient

how do you relate & employ a particular type of music, in order to achieve the

desired results?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - It is very important to understand the cause of disease or

disorder. Thus before deploying music tracks detail patient history must be taken

including the three doshas in the body for patient. Blood pressure is measured etc.

After this has been done analyse which thaat can be used for the said patient.

Accordingly use only those swaras. Remember do not use raag otherwise it may lead

to bias opinion. Instead use swaras from the thaat. To explain you more let me quote

one example. I had a patient with Parkinsonism. The patient is 65 years of age and

was in the army served for the country and fought many battles. We could clearly see

stress induced Parkinsonism. After taking detail history including his likes and

dislikes, I concluded that Tivra madhyam could help him. But Komal swaras should

be avoided because of the event being due to stressful condition. I used the chalan as

Sa Ga Sa Sa Ma(Tivra) Ga dha Ma Ma dha Sa. Sa gas a Ma dha Sa. Dha Ma ga Ma

ga Sa. More nyaas on Tivra madhyam gave him more control over body. Then I

concluded this can be Hindol. As per my experience, Tivra madhyam has fantastic

serotonin uptake inhibition properties. So possibly can be used as anti-depressant as

well….

Dr. Rajam Shankar – I discuss the case history with specialists & family, clients’

preferences / choices are taken into consideration, his ailment and others factors are

assessed and then I try to structure the session as to how the goals can be achieved. I

try to form an intrapersonal relationship with the client, sometimes using music

passively and once the comfort zone has been achieved by him we together work out

on the technique Nada-Anusandhana i.e. concentrating on chakras using musical

notes.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - I have been asked this question number of times and my answer

has always been its not any particular type of music that works on a patient. It’s not

like you play a particular raga or dhun and then patient will start getting better. It is

knowing who your client is, what he/she likes, what cultural background they are

from and what he/she has grown up listening. You have to do an assessment which by

default all music therapist do when they meet their patients then set up goals and

objectives and then you figure out what kind of music will work best and later work

with an interactive approach.

Ques 5: How does music therapy help people with special needs to become

independent & evolve as a person?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Music therapy is uniform everywhere. This is because as we say

music doesn’t have any boundaries. Boundaries in terms of raga or instrument or the

player/ singer himself. Hence any person with special needs may be for an instance

we take an example of a paraplegic also can take music therapy as a profession or

evolve himself as an independent musician.... Music therapy can be practiced by

anyone unless he doesn’t have that creative instinct in himself. Haven’t we seen

children with dyslexia or Down's syndrome using music as a mode of evolving their

personalities? This is because they never loose their creative instinct. Having said that

I would definitely say any person with special needs also can live independently and

evolve using music therapy. In fact they are the ones who can practice more or

dedicate more time passionately toward music than others.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – For children with neurological disorders I prefer to start with the

swara “ma” as it dwells in the anahata chakra and associated to heart and lungs. It is

easy for the child to pick visually and then produce it. Then gradually we take “sa”,

“pa”, “ga”, “dha”, “re”, “ni” which corresponds to respective chakras the muladhara,

vishuddhi, manipura, ajna, swadhisthana and finally sahasrara. I have seen a non-

verbal child getting verbal and is able to express himself through this technique.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - As defined by American association of music therapy it

• Improves self-esteem

• Promote Wellness

• Manage Stress

• Alleviate Pain

• Express Feelings

• Enhance Memory

• Improve Communication

• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

Ques 6: What is the duration of the session and place (set-up) it is performed at

& for how long does the impact of music therapy sessions last?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Duration of music therapy would vary as per the patient’s need

and severity. But having said that, I would not go for long 40 or 45 minutes session.

Else the patient would feel after sometime that he is sitting in any concert and not

taking therapy. It has been observed that humans cannot take frequency for more than

35 minutes... This is because endorphins, which are released, stop after all the

receptors are open. And all endorphin receptors are very sensitive to sound hence they

can be opened with minimum time but with definite frequency. Hence 25-30 minutes

should be sufficient. Place should be comfortable for the patient as long as he is able

to relax and listen to the music. Endorphins as I said are released within minimum

time. Unfortunately these receptors also get closed once the peak is reached. It is

called as Cmax i.e. Concentration maximum of endorphin in blood. This is controlled

by negative feedback mechanism by Hypothalamus. Hence, endorphins or serotonins

or nor-epinephrine once released in blood do not remain for much time due to self-

enzymatic destruction activity. Hence effect of music therapy is not long lasting may

be day or so. But these hormones have the tendency to get use to music frequency

very fast. Hence if the correct frequency eventually the correct raga is used, it can

give you very good response in terms of getting released faster and getting triggered

on its own. To explain you more, you can take an example to a gym. You can lift 50

kgs of weight in one go. You may feel it is too heavy initially but then as your muscle

get acquainted with the weight the next time even if you lift 60 kgs, muscle do not get

fatigued.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Initially 5-7 minutes because the body is not use to it and starts

generating intense heat which the client is not able to bear for long but gradually a

good session takes 20-25 minutes. Broadly speaking, a noticeable change can be

found within 12-15 sittings but might take 50-60 sessions in special cases. For

emotionally disturbed once a week session is planned whereas for neurotics two to

three times a week may be the need.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - Each session is from 30 to 45 minutes usually. Set–up can be

anywhere from hospital, hospice, school, long-term care depending where patient

resides. Each person takes and absorbs music differently so it varies.

Ques 7: So far, which forms from Indian music repertoire, exercised & analyzed

by you in different cases, has been found to be the most effective?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - I have seen string instruments more effective. I avoid vocal

when I use music as a therapy.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – I have found Indian Raga Raginis to effective passive way

especially in pain management.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - I feel opens notes and different taals works best in active approach.

Ques 8: According to you how Indian classical music can be used in clinical

practice, does the entire ‘raagadaari’ should to be played or selective portions /

phrases are to be scooped off and applied?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Whole raagdaari should not be played. We need to remember

that raagdaari is played as performing art. When it comes to the healing nature of

Indian classical music you sometime have to break the inhibition and play more

chalan of the thaat and hence specific phrases would be helpful. Music therapy is

evidence based science and not merely a performing art.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Initially selective portions can be taken.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - Again it depends who your patient is. For Example if you have a

patient who has been a musician in past then I have done things like Jamming

(Jugalbandi) with them and they love it. But if you have someone who has never sang

a note then being interactive with different taals work best.

Ques 9: Do you prefer to implement / prescribe ragas according to the time

theory concept of Indian classical music?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - I agree. But let us not restrict ourselves to time theory. Rutu,

maas, gati everything is to be considered. Instead lets play the swaras in such a

fashion that they themselves create a time zone rather than playing them in that

particular time. For example in Raag Bhimplasi Ma is vadi swar Ma Ga Ma ga re sa

phrase creates more effect than Ni Sa Ma Ga Pa Ma ga Re Sa. So if we use above

phrase the listener may easily feel the time zone even if he is listening in the

afternoon.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Yes I would like to adhere to time theory system.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - Yes our gurus have done great deal of study in finding, which raga

should be played when and following the structure always helps. I do believe in

following and being respectful towards both Indian and western music.

Ques 10: Ranging from mild illnesses to chronic disorders, does music alone can

suffice ruling out the conventional system? Please comment on the extendibility

of the two aspects - music being an “alternative” medicine vs. music as a

“complementary” one?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - I strongly believe Music is complimentary system and

Alternative. Nothing in this world is robust and nothing can be alternative to other not

even allopathy.So each therapy has its own limitations so Music therapy has to be

Complimentary to any other system of medicine.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – No it is not recommended to give up on medications but yes it

plays a supportive role. The medicine, diet plan and exercise etc., should be followed

along with music therapy.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - It can be used in both aspects depending upon who your patient is

and what is the issue. Music is so flexible and versatile and has no boundaries.

Ques 11: Any suggestions for music therapy procedures (should be / followed in

India) & promotion of this melodic intonation?

Mr. Sarang Vaidya - Analyse the patients disease or disorder on emotional

grounds and you will know what the body is demanding. Strong Classical base is

mandatory to be a successful practitioner. More awareness programmes may

help in promoting this unique therapy.

Dr. Rajam Shankar – Music therapy has its own limitations especially in cases of too

many drugs. Awareness should be created through media.

Ms. Shreya Qazi - In India music therapy has to come a long way. It can be very

beneficial. At the time I studied music therapy very few in India were aware about it

but now things have changed. The only thing is the way they use it, I feel they need to

work on the approach. With all due respect it’s not about playing a raga in front of the

patient but educating the music therapist of the correct approach is what we need in

India.

II. Questionnaire for Musicians

Answered by

Padmabhushan Vidushi Shanno Khurana Ji - Vocalist Hindustani Classical Music

& Musicologist, Delhi in an interview.

Dr. Supriya Shah Shankar - Sitarist & lecturer at Banaras Hindu University, data

via email and telephonic conversation.

Mr. Saran Vaidya – Musician, Music Therapist & clinical research associate in Pune,

data via email.

Ques 1: Do you think active listening or practicing music is self-therapeutic?

Dr. Khurana - Yes. It is!

Dr. Shah - Yes… it is… it takes the mind away from disturbing situations and is very

exhilarating… and is a god outlet for expressing emotions.

Mr. Vaidya - I think practicing music is definitely self-therapeutic.

Ques 2: In what way has music helped you to evolve as a person?

Dr. Khurana - It has taught me how to be patient, how to use determination, not to

give up easily, how to be humble, & give no place to aggression. It has taught me to

seek beauty all around me and bring the same in music.

Dr. Shah - It has made me what I am today and is an integral part of my personality. It

is also, as I said a strong medium of my expression.

Mr. Vaidya - As a person I think I have become more content and focus. It gives me

power to think in logical and disciplined way. It has provoked me to think beyond our

own horizons.

Ques 3: Any instance you would like to share where music aided you from the

‘lows’ of your life?

Dr. Khurana - Definitely! There have been several. When my husband passed away,

by this time I had been in music field for about 50 years. I thought I would never be

able to sing again. For months I did not sing. Till one day when AIR insisted that I

sing for a sangeet sabha. It was a live performance and as I drove to the broadcasting

house, i did not know as to which raga I was going to sing. As I reached the studio,

the sound of sarangi, table, tanpura and then was a sudden burst of my voice in raga

darbari! That was the time when music took me to another world.

Dr. Shah - Has happened several times… every time I have felt low I play my

instrument and I experience a ‘high’ instantly.

Mr. Vaidya - Every person undergoes its own lows, might be financially or personally.

I think Classical musical notes have power to fill in those gaps. I remember one

instance when I had lost my voice due to unknown reason for more than 2 years. I

could talk but could not sing. It was so difficult to sit in front of my tanpura and keep

looking at it. I used to get such a strain that I could barely sing till pancham. It was the

most difficult period of my life. At that time I got an opportunity to listen to the

stalwarts and my thinking process started. That’s how I understood Classical music

better.

Ques 4: If asked to relate a specific part / form of musical composition (for

example -alap, taan, etc.) to a particular state of mind, how will you do it?

Dr. Shah - Alap is more meditative… it helps in expressing sorrow, peace, prayer and

contentment, also longing. Fast portions for me help to dissipate anger and excitement.

But that is a very personal opinion.

Mr. Vaidya - Alaps are the most steady or relaxing ones while tanas show the bhaav

or sometimes the aggressive nature of mind. It may also show excitement.



why?

Dr. Khurana – It depends on the perception of the listener. The sensibility to music

differs in every person so is the case in its own.

Dr. Shah – For me playing instrument or singing or to be precise an interactive

approach has stronger psychological impact, but in case of using it as a therapy it is

dependent on patient patients choice, live music playing I believe should make more

impact as it will involve all the faculties of the body.

Mr. Vaidya - According to me recorded or passive music makes more impact. This is

because in recorded music I am sure of using the correct and accurate swara of that

raga thus giving justice to that raga. But when playing interactive one there is a

chance of the player having his/her emotions at that point affecting the concert. So if I

am using music as a ‘Therapy’ I will go for recorded one. Moreover recorded tracks

are easy to use directly for the patients using headphones thus making sure patient is

listening each swara.

Ques 6: Vocal vs. instrumental music, which do you think makes more impact

and why?

Dr. Khurana – Again it's the perception of an individual. Some people are drone by

bhajans, some by instrumental and the others by tones or so.

Dr. Shah - On the listeners I think vocal, especially when the listener understands the

language of the compositions. But for the musician, it is the same whether he/she is an

instrumentalist or a vocalist. This is really subjective…depends on the audience

actually.

Mr. Vaidya - Very debatable question. According to me instrumental music makes

more impact. This is because it is very difficult for a performer to show his nature of

mind while playing that particular raga in instrument, which is possible in vocal. Thus

the patient is prone to listen the music, which is live.

Ques 7: Unlike instrumental music, does vocal compositions (usually theme

specific) seizes the listener’s liberty of interpreting a particular raga / melody?

Dr. Khurana – May or may not be. It is a personal choice.

Dr. Shah - Ask a vocalist. I don’t think so, though. It should not. It does not limit the

liberty, but gives a direction to it.

Mr. Vaidya - Yes I agree.


research, does the entire ‘raagadaari’ should to be played or selective portions /


Dr. Khurana – it has to be experimented. For instance in some people the rhythmic

patters are more liked or appreciated and in this category I feel the elderly people

belongs. In some cases it is the words of a bhajan, which are more meaningful to the

state of mind, and in some people it may be the tune, melody that makes more sense.

Experimentation should be done with small phrases.

Dr. Shah - Selective portions.

Mr. Vaidya - Only the phrases or chalan should be used. Remember Music therapy

should be used in such a way that patient should not feel he is going to any mehfil.

Hence only the phrases that will depict the entire raga without words should be used.

Let us not make patient bound in kavya or poetry.

Ques 9: Do you think ragas should be implemented / prescribed according to the

time theory concept of Indian classical music and will that intensify its impact?

Dr. Khurana – No. As far as the patient does not know anything about the time theory

so how does it matter to him? And then a musician when has to sing or record a

particular raga irrespective of its time, is able to create that atmosphere because of the

rigorous practice that he has put in over the years. What to play should be kept in

mind rather when to play.

Dr. Shah - Yes. To an extent!

Mr. Vaidya - NO I don’t think so.

Ques 10: Please comment on the extendibility of music being an “alternative” to

the conventional system of medicine and music being a “complementary” aspect

to the same.

Dr. Khurana – It is a complementary therapy.

Dr. Shah - It is certainly not an alternative but yes it is a good complementary

medium of therapy.

Mr. Vaidya - Music CANNOT be alternative. But it can always be Complementary to

any and all forms of medicine.

Ques 11: Any suggestions for music therapy procedures (should be / followed in

India) & promotion of this melodic intonation?

Dr. Khurana – Hospitals should keep a variety of records of vocal and instrumental

music. Depending upon the diagnosis of the illness and state of mind of the patient

should be given a dose of that particular music. Thought process of the patient,

ailment at that particular time has to be taken into account.

Dr. Shah – First of all a full-fledged Music Therapy course for a professional degree

program should be designed by our Universities. A unison effort of our musicians,

music therapists and clinical experts could formulate a profile study or syllabus. Our

government should form institutes for qualified music therapists, to practice and

employ this therapy. These Government recognized institutes would not only bring

public awareness but will also increase the credibility of the subject.

Mr. Vaidya - As mentioned earlier Analyze the patient’s disease or disorder on

emotional grounds and you will know what the body is demanding. Strong Classical

base is mandatory to be a successful practitioner. More awareness programs may

help in promoting this unique therapy.

III. Questionnaire for Psychologists

Answered by

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa – Clinical psychologist, Expressive Therapist & Yoga

Instructor in Delhi, data received via email and telephonic interview.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana – Clinical hypnotherapist, Psychologist & Music

Composer in Delhi, data retrieved via email.

Ques 1: Do you think music is Therapeutic?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Yes. It is very therapeutic.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - yes, music is therapeutic.

Ques 2: What is the impact of music on our nervous system?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Depending on the type of music it may activate either the

sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is

an excitatory system where as the parasympathetic is the inhibitory one. Soothing

relaxing music activates the parasympathetic nervous system and hard music can

activate sympathetic nervous system.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - It provides a sense of stimulation that can be either positive

or negative, depending on the kind of music and the perception of the individual

towards the music.



why?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Active music will probably have more impact, reason being in

active music the person is exposed to more stimulation and also caters to more than

one sense, so the experience is certainly deeper and richer having a more profound

psychological impact.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - As I mentioned above, it depends on the individual;

interactive music may be good for people who are extroverted, whereas recorded

music may be good for people who are introverted.

Ques 4: How does music therapy help people with special needs to become

independent & evolve as a person?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Individuals with special needs are very sensitive people. They

are usually seen to be more creative and therefore have that inclination towards any

art. Music is such a form that it “cannot” not have an impact on an individual.

Therefore when there is an inclination towards it along with its ability to influence an

individuals’ mind set, it can definitely be used for overall enhancement and

personality development of the individual. Music creates a very non-threatening

environment and therefore has immense potential to connect with people with special

needs.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - music therapy is an excellent tool to work with people with

special needs as it can help them explore themselves thoroughly under an abstract lens,

providing a personal journey of introspection and associations, thereby allowing them

to grow as individuals.

Ques 5: Analyzing the social, behavioral and cognitive functioning of the patient

how do you relate & employ a particular type of music, in order to achieve the

desired results?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Every type of music evokes a particular response pattern in an

individual. Once the initial screening is done and an understanding is established

between the therapist and the client, one can prescribe that particular type of music for

reaping the desired outcome.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - It totally depends on the client- their personality,

idiosyncrasies; behavioral and cognitive functioning will show what type of music

and also how to use it in therapy.

Ques 6: So far, which forms of Indian music (exercised & analyzed by you in

different cases) has been found to be the most effective?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Raga, has been extremely beneficial with anxiety patients, in

certain cases of depression and ADHD is children. It helps channelize the energies in

a very positive way.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - Hindustani classical music has been seen to provide a

relaxed, almost spiritual experience; the genre of world music is also an excellent

form of music that can be used on clients with diverse needs; personally, I have found

that EDM is also an excellent tool music therapists can adopt.

Ques 9: Is music therapy self-sufficient in alleviating a problem or combined

with medications / other alternative therapies?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - This depends completely on the individual’s case. Sometimes

if it’s a mild case, then music therapy can work by itself. But mostly it does require

other forms too; expressive therapy along with music therapy has been very effective

in my experience so far.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - In some cases music therapy may be sufficient, however a

combination of alternative therapies (e.g. Hypnosis, meditation, Yogic asanas) and

medication can also be used when necessary to fully accentuate the effects on the

client.

Ques 10: What is the scope & area of Indian classical music in clinical practice?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - There is a lot of potential, and I’m happy to see a lot of

researches coming up in this particular field. So with more scientific back up it can

certainly be part of paramedical line of treatment for all kinds of patients.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - It has a good scope if used suitably.

Ques 11: To what extent this therapy is able to aid people with special needs both

psychologically & physiologically?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Anything we do has an impact on the mind and body and vice-

versa. It just can t be isolated. So once we start using the music to alter or work with

the mind, it starts affecting the body. So in a way it is one of the holistic approach to

therapy without any side-fall and thus has a lot of potential.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - look at Ans 4.

Ques 12: Do you think it is an effective therapy and should be part of these

special schools & institutions?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Yes, very much! Schools especially because music works

amazingly well with children due to their vulnerable state and also the non-

threatening environment created by it promotes cooperation from the students.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - Yes I do; not only for schools and institutions with people

with special needs, but also for people in general.

Ques 13: Ranging from mild illnesses to chronic disorders, does music alone can

suffice ruling out the conventional system? Please comment on the extendibility

of the two aspects - music being an “alternative” medicine vs. music as a

“complementary” one?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - Music has a lot of potential than one can imagine. On one hand

I do want to honestly believe that I can be an alternate therapy and not just

complementary one. What can make it completely an independent line of treatment is

the isolation of the individual in an environment that is designed for music therapy

and works more like a rehab with music as the main tool. However, I would love to

see more researches happening in this line to actually confirm the extendibility of

music therapy as an alternate treatment.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - It would be both quixotic and pertinacious to assume that

music can create wonders for the client, regardless of the intensity of the illness; one

must be punctilious when working with clients with mental disorders, offering them a

variety of alternatives to help them.

Ques 14: Any suggestions for music therapy procedures (followed in India) &

promotion of this melodic intonation?

Ms. Mehak Wadhwa - We need to come up with more centers that provide this

kind of treatment so that it becomes more acceptable with the public. And also

more researches that can confirm the benefits of it and back up the this therapy

as a paramed or clinical line of treatment.

Mr. Samridha SJB Rana - awareness is the key, as in every aspect of life. The use of

multimedia tools to spread awareness will help this fledgling field; schools can also

conduct programs to help the parents as well as children understand what it is, and the

benefits it promises.

IV. Questionnaire for special educators

Answered by

Ms. Aparna Gupta – Special Educator and learned of Indian Classical Music in

Canada, data received vie email.

Ques 1: Do you think music is therapeutic?

Ms. Aparna Gupta – Yes.

Ques 2: In what way has music helped you to evolve as a person?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Made me calmer and more focused.


music or recorded (passive) music, makes a stronger psychological impact in

their case and why?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - I think both; active music makes you listen to your own self and

increases concentration while passive music makes you calm and relaxed.

Ques 4: Vocal vs. instrumental music, which do you think makes more impact

and why?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Vocal makes more impact because here you directly associate

yourself with the person who is singing.

Ques 5: Is music therapy self-sufficient in alleviating a problem or combined

with medications / other alternative therapies?

Ms. Aparna Gupta – Conjoint Therapy it is so has to go along with the medications.

Ques 6: What type of music is used to soothe them?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Instrumental.


research, does the entire ‘raagadaari’ should to be played or selective portions /


Ms. Aparna Gupta - Selective!

Ques 8: Do you think ragas should be implemented / prescribed according to the

time theory concept of Indian classical music and will that intensify its impact?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - I think pure classical music has its own impact and I would go

for that any day.

Ques 9: What is the duration & number of the sessions and place (set-up) it is

performed at?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - All sessions along with other therapies. At least twice a week!

Ques 10: To what extent this therapy is able to aid these people, psychologically

& physiologically?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Extent is still to be proven as its effects are not scientifically

proven…or maybe I don’t know.

Ques 11: Do you think music therapy has a long lasting impact?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Lasting effect. Slowly occurring but lasting long!

Ques 12: Do you think it is an effective tool in reducing their ‘specialness’ &

overcoming ‘dependency’ and should be part of these special schools &

institutions?

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Reducing hyperactivity and enhancing concentration.

Ques 13: Please comment on the extendibility of music being an “alternative” to

the conventional system of medicine and music being a “complementary” aspect

to the same.

Ms. Aparna Gupta - Music has its therapeutic effects on a person psyche that is a

known fact. Only now its being used as alternative medicine. It is fun, its somber, it is

beautiful, and it is equal to beauty. That’s why it is therapeutic.

Ques 14: Any suggestions for music therapy procedures (followed in India) &


Ms. Aparna Gupta - Don’t know any if followed in India. For music therapy it is

better to have instrumental music in order to calm yourself it has to be a passive

interaction with music and not active. Maybe you could play some trance music

coupled by other relaxing therapies like in Cerebral palsy the occupational therapist

gives therapy which is painful or uncomfortable to children and they keep crying, so

if music is played it would help them calm down.

V. Questionnaire for patients undergone music therapy

Answered by

Ms. Richa Jain – Self-employed and homemaker in Delhi, data received via email.

Ques 1: Would you like to share the medical problem for which you were seeking

the treatment/ therapy?

Ms. Richa Jain - I underwent surgeries for Breast cancer and related conditions.

Ques 2: Do you think music is therapeutic?

Ms. Richa Jain – Yes.

Ques 3: Was it clubbed with medications in your case or used as an alternative to

drugs?

Ms. Richa Jain - Both, because I received it as a standard procedure followed by the

hospital to calm a patient before being operated.

Ques 4: What type of music you were exposed to during the medical procedures?

Ms. Richa Jain - Light instrumental music, e.g. Ghazals of Jagjit Singh.

Ques 5: What was the duration of the session and place it was performed?

Ms. Richa Jain - About an hour. It was in the patient waiting room adjoining the

Operation Theatre.

Ques 6: How music therapy aided you, psychologically & physiologically?

Ms. Richa Jain - I felt relaxed physically as well as mentally and was ready to face a

major operation.

Ques 7: Do you think music therapy has a long lasting impact?

Ms. Richa Jain - The effect lasted long enough till the start of procedures for giving

Anaesthesia .

Ques 8: Do you think it is an effective therapy in overcoming the fear associated

with the clinical procedures and should part of hospice care?

Ms. Richa Jain - Yes

Ques 9: Any suggestions for music-therapy procedures (followed in India) &


Ms. Richa Jain - I think all hospitals should adopt this type of procedure to calm

patients before major operations.

APPENDIX B

A View from Media: Here are few Articles from newspapers and magazines:

appendix a a) experts opinion -...

Documents