Boyce-Tillman, J. (2000). Constructing musical healing: The wounds that sing. London: Jessica Kingsley. 308 pages. ISBN 978-1-85302-483-2. $38.95

Boyce-Tillman, J. (2000). Constructing musical healing: The wounds that sing. London: Jessica Kingsley. 308 pages. ISBN 978-1-85302-483-2. $38.95 I looked up the definition of "healing" in the dictionary; it simply states to "return to wholeness." One could argue that this book does just that for the field of music therapy. In this book, Boyce-Tillman has constructed a comprehensive, intellectual narrative on the healing properties of music and the evolution of the field of music therapy. In chapter 1, Boyce-Tillman outlines her beliefs surrounding health and anecdotally suggests a connection between music and health. Her notion of health is the process of rebalancing freedom and containment. To some, this might mean being in an environment that best suits one's needs; to others, this may mean being able to explore other parts of the self. While exploring the tenets of her concept of health, Boyce-Tillman identifies what she defines as a "dynamic model of self" comprised of seven polarities, which include community/ individualism; containment/freedom; expression/confidentiality; unity/diversity; challenge/nurture; excitement/relaxation, and embodiment/transcendence. When health is achieved, these polarities are balanced in such a way that individualization, incarnation, maturity, creativity, growth, rhythm, and wisdom are evident. Many refer to this as self-actualization. These important definitions and discussions provide the context needed for the reader to more comfortably proceed into subsequent chapters of the book. Next, Boyce-Tillman examines various musical traditions within the context of her dynamic model of self, giving complete chapters on those musical traditions that she feels were designed to heal. These include the Western Classical Tradition, Shamans and Healers, New Age, and Music Therapy. Boyce-Tillman attempts to draw the reader into each chapter with a descriptive story, which provides scenes and specific case examples to convey her points. This story is followed by a brief, yet thorough, history of the specific tradition and then a breakdown of how her seven polarities of self are found or not found within the tradition. By doing so, Boyce-Tillman also shares with the reader what she perceives to be the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each musical tradition in achieving health. Furthermore, she provides the reader with an historical account of the role of music within these traditions and the resulting similarities and differences in the role of music between traditions. I was impressed by the author's ability to clearly convey her intent in writing; she shares her beliefs and provides a seemingly well-researched history to support her theories by providing an abundance of references and examples and by citing well-known experts and authorities within the field. Chapter 2 focuses on the Western Classical Music Tradition. By starting this exploration from the roots of ancient Greek philosophy, Boyce-Tillman illustrates an apparent transition of the healing power of music for both physiological and psychological illnesses to the Western tradition, which she claims divides the body, mind, and spirit into distinct components. Chapter 3 explores the use of music by shamans and healers. Boyce-Tillman highlights the wide use of singing in these societies as well as the role of music in maintaining balance between the individual and the community. In relation to the seven polarities, shamans and healers counteract sickness by song or drumming patterns designed to withdraw the illness while also giving a greater sense of interconnectedness between the individual and the soul. As Boyce-Tillman states, "selfexpression = soul expression." While in the Western tradition, an intellectual challenge may be valued, among shamans and healers, nurturing is emphasized. Moreover, shamans and healers use music as a central part of the healing ritual - it aids them in making their transcendental journey to another world (another consciousness) on behalf of the person. …