Providing need-to-know information about the human body for music therapists, this book covers the elements of anatomy and physiology that are of particular relevance to clinical practice. Addressing both the structure and function of the human body, the material is presented with the music therapist in mind. Particular attention is paid to the role of music in affecting responses from the organ systems, including the senses, the endocrine glands, the immune system, the musculo-skeletal system, the nervous systems and the vestibular system. Dr Schneck also uses accessible musical metaphors to explain complex biological information. Emphasising the symbiotic relationship between music and the body, this book reveals how an understanding of this relationship can help music therapists to practice more effectively, and will be of interest to students and practitioners alike.
Preface. Introduction. Part I. What is this thing called ''me''? 1. Brief Overview of the Entire Human Body. 2. The Living Engine/Instrument. 3. The Mobile Engine/Instrument. 4. The Digital, Living Engine/Instrument. 5. The Sentient Living Engine/Musical Instrument. 6. The Responsive... But... Stationary Living Engine. 7. The Controlled, Living Engine/Instrument. Part II. How does ''me'' work? 8. The Motivated Living Engine/Instrument. 9. The Anthropocentric Living Engine/Instrument. 10. The Human Information Technology (IT) System for Handling/Processing and Managing Data and Information. 11. The Body in Time. 12. On Physiologic Optimization Schemes... Among Them... Adaptation Mechanisms. 13. On Anatomical Design Criteria... Among Them... Self-Similarity. 14. Recapitulation, Summary, and Music Therapy. References. Suggested Further Reading. Index.
Dr. Daniel Schneck's Basic Anatomy and Physiology for the Music Therapist is an important addition to the literature in the profession of music therapy. This book is specifically oriented to the needs of the practicing clinical music therapist by emphasizing anatomical/physiological principles, which are deeply influenced by the energetic elements of music - rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, dynamics, and form - and the intricate relationships within and between them and the human body. Dr. Schneck explores in depth the mechanisms involved in human functioning and the processes involved when music interacts with the complex ""living machine"" that is the human body. This is vital information for the practicing music therapist to insure effective music therapy treatments and interventions. I highly recommend this book to professional and student music therapists. It represents the next level in the advancement of music therapy practice.
