Final answer:
The belief that cultural background is irrelevant in Music Therapy is false. Music's universal aspects do not obviate the need to consider an individual's cultural context, which shapes their interpretation and response to music within a therapeutic setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an individual's cultural background is irrelevant when engaging in a Music Therapy session is false. While it is true that music has the remarkable ability to cross cultural and language barriers, and is often described as a universal language, cultural context plays a significant role in how music is perceived and processed.
For instance, a study led by Thomas Fritz of the Max Planck Institute found that members of the Mafa tribe in Cameroon, who had never been exposed to Western music, could recognize basic emotions in Western piano pieces, indicating that music can convey emotions across different cultures. However, music therapy is a nuanced field that takes into account an individual's entire background, including their cultural context, to facilitate healing and growth.
Further exploring the role of culture in music, researchers like Darwin have suggested that language and music once were one, and since music is largely nonverbal, it can transcend societal boundaries easier than words. Still, how we interpret and respond to music is deeply influenced by our cultural backgrounds and experiences. Therefore, while music can foster a sense of connection beyond language barriers, cultural background is essential to consider during music therapy sessions for a truly effective and empathetic approach.