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Music therapists are trained to use their first study instrument in clinical practice, yet existing literature focuses almost exclusively on the use of piano, basic percussion and voice.
This illuminating book brings together international music therapists who use a diverse range of musical instruments in their clinical work: the clarinet, the piano accordion, the flute, the cello, the trumpet and flugelhorn, the bassoon, the violin, the viola, the harp, the guitar, lower brass instruments (the trombone and the euphonium), the oboe, the saxophone and bass instruments (double bass and bass guitar). Each therapist reflects on their relationship with their instrument and the ways in which they use it in therapeutic settings, discussing its advantages and disadvantages in a variety of clinical populations: children and adolescents, adults with learning disabilities, adults with mental health problems and older people.
This will be essential reading for any music therapist or student music therapist who uses or is interested in using a musical instrument in their work, and will be of interest to other caring and healthcare professionals, teachers, musicians and carers wanting to learn more about instrumental music therapy.

Reviews

Maria Ramey, private practice music therapist, Massachusetts and author of Group Music Activities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Flute Accordion or Clarinet is a refreshing addition to music therapy literature. With instrumental history, case vignettes and very handy chapter summaries it truly showcases how each instrument can be used to greatly enhance the music therapy experience. It has certainly inspired me to increase the use of my flute in sessions!
Eleanor Richards, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, MA Music Therapy, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
This is a fascinating book. The use by music therapists of instruments other than the keyboard is central to much clinical practice, but as yet no comprehensive discussion of the implications and possibilities of such work has been published. This book fills that space admirably; its detailed accounts of the characteristics of instruments and instrumental families are complemented by a wealth of case material and illustrations which bring clinical events excitingly to life. Students and long established therapists alike will find plenty here to enliven their practice.