Abstract

Analytical Music Therapy, The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and Vocal Psychotherapy are commonly studied and in conjunction with music therapy. This book examines the development of these four advanced methods of music therapy practice in relation to each other, and explores their impact on the development of the music therapy profession.

Based on extensive new research and interviews with leading practitioners of the advanced methods, the book describes the differences, similarities, relationships, and trends between them, compares linearly the development of the music therapy profession primarily in the 20th century with the development of the four advanced methods, and speculates on the future of these advanced methods in relation to the future of music therapy as a profession.

I found Nicki Cohen's descriptions and analyses of four advanced music therapy methods to be enlightening and fascinating. She presents a range of information on the methods, including answers to a series of questions that were asked and answered by people who studied and worked directly with the founders of the methods or, in the case of Vocal Psychotherapy, by the founder (Diane Austin). She draws the reader into each approach with a deeper understanding of its practice.
Barbara L. Wheeler, PhD, MT-BC, Professor Emeritus, Montclair State University, New Jersey
This must-read book is a rich resource regarding four advanced methods of music therapy in the context of the development of music therapy in the US and the UK. It is packed with informative details about the founders, development of the methods, clinical descriptions, literature and current practice.
Frances Smith Goldberg, MA, MT-BC, FAMI, Founder and Director, Therapeutic Arts Institute
Dr. Nicki S. Cohen is Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX. She received her PhD in Music Education from the University of Kansas, an MA in Vocal Performance from the University of Denver, and a BS in Music Education from Duquesne University. She is a board certified music therapist and a Fellow and Primary Trainer of the Association for Music and Imagery. Dr. Cohen is a regular presenter at music therapy and associated professional conferences.
Nicki Cohen has identified relevant advanced methods in music therapy as she reaches outside the 'box' of early traditional practice. She provides an accessible treatise introducing us to the founders on a personal level, and the methods on historical and theoretical levels. As the profession of music therapy continues to mature, the timeliness of this book is perfect. A welcome addition as the profession looks seriously to advanced practice and its implication in the broader health care milieu.
Jim Borling, Professor of Music, Program Director for Music Therapy, Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery (FAMI), Radford University, USA