Final answer:
Music therapy, defined as the use of music for therapeutic purposes, has seen a substantial increase in its application in mental health and correctional facilities since its regulation in Canada in 1974. Pioneers like Robert Gupta and Thomas Fritz have demonstrated its power to heal and connect, underscoring its universality and effectiveness where traditional medicine may fall short.
Step-by-step explanation:
The utilization of music therapy in mental health and prison settings is a topic deeply interwoven with discussions about social change and the efficacy of alternative rehabilitation methods. The field of music therapy itself officially began in the 20th century, but it was not until after the regulation of music therapy in Canada in 1974 that its applications began to spread more widely, including to mental health institutions and prisons. The intrinsic ability of music to convey and evoke emotions suggests its potential as a therapeutic tool, which has been explored by various professionals and researchers, including Robert Gupta, who found his calling at the intersection of music and social justice. Furthermore, the concept of music as an expressive language that can bridge cultural divides was illustrated in a study by Thomas Fritz and his team, showing that even without prior exposure to Western music, Mafa tribal members in Cameroon could understand the emotions conveyed by it. Finally, the integration of artistic practices such as theatre and music within prisons is a modern development that has moved beyond traditional performances to include inmate participation, a change that began taking shape in the mid-20th century with rehabilitative initiatives like Herb Blau's 1957 production of 'Waiting for Godot' at San Quentin Prison.