Final answer:
While personal stories and research, like those of Robert Gupta and Tod Machover, highlight the universal and inclusive nature of music therapy, it is difficult to assert that the profession is entirely free from political or government influences as most healthcare sectors are influenced to some degree.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that music therapy is a healthcare profession uninfluenced by political or government agendas can be discussed by looking at anecdotes and research in the field. For instance, the story of Robert Gupta, who found his calling in the interstice of music and medicine, shows the compelling impact of music therapy on the marginalized sections of society. It illustrates that music therapy can transcend the limitations of conventional medicine and offer a unique pathway to healing that is accessible to all, irrespective of their background.
Similarly, Tod Machover's dedication to making musical expression universally accessible also emphasizes the democratic and inclusive aspect of music as a therapeutic tool. However, this does not necessarily mean that the profession is completely uninfluenced by external factors such as political or government agendas, as most healthcare fields are subject to some form of regulation and influence.
A study by psychologists led by Thomas Fritz further demonstrates the universal language of music, which saw members of the Mafa tribe in Cameroon, with no prior exposure to Western music, recognizing emotional content in piano pieces. This suggests the inherent ability of music to connect and communicate on a basic human level, which is independent of cultural or political backgrounds and influences.