Music, the Arts, and Healing

The goal of this chapter is to demonstrate the ability to create opportunities to use the arts to heal. The author has included three narratives, both his personal story as a professional artist, a non-clinical practitioner, and those of his students. These narratives illustrate the effect of the arts on individuals dealing with trauma and poverty. Time and time again, as indicated in these narratives, the arts can be called on to provide respite and relief from fear, anxiety, and hurting. The arts are a touchstone that can be revisited throughout a lifespan regardless of age or stage or even circumstance.