Final answer:
Music therapy is based on historical insights into music's universal ability to express emotions and assert a positive influence on the human mind and body. Studies, including those by Thomas Fritz, support music's role as a universal language across cultures, reinforcing its therapeutic effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, music therapy indeed builds upon a historical understanding of music and its impact on the mind and body. Studies have shown that music is capable of evoking emotional responses across different cultures, indicating a sort of universal language of emotions. For instance, a study conducted by Thomas Fritz showed that even without exposure to Western culture, the Mafa tribal members of Cameroon were able to recognize emotions such as happiness, sadness, and fear in Western piano pieces. This highlights the intrinsic ability of music to communicate core human emotions.
The evolution of music has been significantly influenced by the human experience and historical contexts. From the early 1800s hymns of the Choctaw tribes to modern television shows, music has been used to express a wide range of emotions and unite people across societal boundaries.
Additionally, the nonverbal nature of music allows it to cross cultural, social, and linguistic barriers more easily, promoting connections and fostering a sense of wholeness within groups. Victor Wooten, a respected musician and speaker, also emphasized music as a powerful communication tool during a Ted lecture. The ability of music to elicit a range of emotional responses suggests that its therapeutic benefits are indeed rooted in a historical understanding of its expressive power.