This book explains activities that can be used with patients with mental illnesses. When working with these patients, instruments must be in tune to make the music sound harmonious. Patients find the setting more at ease when the seats are placed in a circle or a semicircle. A music therapist should have a variety of activities that don't take too much time. A music therapist should play a song that relates to the feelings of the group and see if he or she can possibly change the mood.
Music allows for an emotional release.
One example given by Juliette Alvin described a psychiatric residential home for adolescent boys. The music therapists gave a concert, treating the boys as any other intelligent humans and filling the show with humor. These boys who were usually aggressive showed interest and enthusiasm at this concert. Music is able to stir up conversation and helps create a state of mind in which a patient is ready to reveal his problems. It provides some history about music therapy and some information on a conference that was held at the Institute.