Music therapy, spirituality and transcendence

This article explores the spiritual aspects of making music, with reference to music therapy practice and theory. The research questions addressed in this article are: (1) Does singing in a choir have spiritual health benefits? (2) How do people participating in music-making experience the spiritual and/or transcendent aspects of music? (3) Can music therapy play a role in supporting clients’ spiritual health and expression? The article presents research findings from a large international study of the health and well-being benefits of singing in a choir, in which spiritual benefits were rated by choristers. Key themes emerged, including the spiritual benefits of singing, the role of music in transcending difficulties and finding meaning in suffering. Examples of the role of music therapy in affording opportunity for spiritual expression are also presented. The article will be of interest to music therapists and healthcare professionals interested in exploring how music-making can allow expression of spiritual beliefs and may strengthen spiritual well-being in people living with complex health conditions. The author contends that spiritual expression is an important aspect to be considered in music therapy practice and aims to stimulate discussion and debate regarding the relationship between music and spirituality.