Where Did Music Therapy Come From?

According to Ronald Benezon, “The use of music to influence the human body was first mentioned in writing in Egyptian medical papyri dating back to 1500 BCE.” Isn’t this wild? While music therapy was not a legitimate field at this time, music was being used to help individuals in many ways.

This blog will go over the evolution of music therapy from:

• Biblical Mentions

• Ancient Greek Philosophers

• Indigenous Cultures

• The Middle Ages and Renaissance

• Modern Days

• Where We Are Today

Biblical Mentions

Music is mentioned in the bible as having a therapeutic purpose. At the time when King Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit, it is mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:14-16, 21-23: “‘It’s an evil spirit from God that’s frightening you,’ Saul’s officials told him. ‘Your Majesty, let us go and look for someone who is good at playing the harp. He can play for you whenever the evil spirit from God bothers you, and you’ll feel better.” David began playing his harp for King Saul, and the evil spirit would go away.