Personal documentation by Dr. Monty
The history of music dates back thousands of years, though no one knows exactly when it began, as music has always been an integral part of human life. The discovery of musical instruments such as the silver lyre from the Mesopotamian (Sumerian) civilization around 2600 BCE serves as one of the earliest known pieces of musical evidence. However, it is very likely that human life in much earlier periods already involved simple forms of music—percussive rhythmic sounds created through clapping, stomping, and the use of natural objects like striking stones or blowing into bamboo tubes. For centuries, humans have used music as a way to connect with the universe, producing sounds intended to reflect their life experiences within it.
Natural percussion instruments—such as stones and wood—used by humans in early, simple cultures were part of their efforts to harmonize with the rhythm of the universe, and such forms are still in use today. In the Sumerian and Ancient Greek eras, with the introduction of the lyre, humans began using string instruments to accompany the narrative poetry of ancient bards in their depictions of the cosmos. It was during the Ancient Greek period that the term music (from muse) became established, representing life expressed through narrative and amusement, as inspired by the “children” of Zeus and Mnemosyne—the goddess of memory.
Calliope was the chief Muse representing epic (heroic) tales; Euterpe represented beautiful poetry; Thalia symbolized comedy (ideal life narratives); Clio (Kleio) stood for myth and history; Melpomene embodied life’s tragic narratives; Terpsichore represented the passion of dance and choral music; Erato was associated with romance; Polyhymnia, who oversaw sacred hymns, represented divine songs including chants used in nature worship and agricultural ceremonies for fertility; and Urania symbolized life’s direction as the goddess of the “Compass.” When united, these Muses reflect music as a rich tapestry of life’s stories—lyrical poems filled with romance and epic meaning, meant to honor the universe and serve as a guide for living. Thus, while in the pre-Christian millennia humans may have merely imitated nature’s rhythm through percussion, by the Mesopotamian and Ancient Greek eras, music had evolved into a form of lyrical guidance for life.
Music is not merely sound, but harmonious sound; and when forms of disharmony later emerged, they served as reactions or antitheses to the foundation of harmony. It was Pythagoras who first formulated harmonic sound based on the mathematical calculation of tone intervals—a principle that remains the foundation of Western musical scales today, known as do re mi fa sol la ti. He discovered this through his observation of the tones produced by blacksmiths’ anvils. The result of this exploration into sound harmony later developed into the major and minor scales, which continue to serve as the basis for musical composition to this day.
Music is produced through the vibration of sound resulting from the friction or impact of substances—solid, liquid, or air. These vibrations resonate with the surrounding environment, including the fluids within the human body. As we know, approximately 70% of the human body is composed of liquid, making it highly receptive to sound. Therefore, music—and sound in general—has the potential to influence the human body. When sound, particularly music, carries harmonious qualities, it can stimulate a sense of harmony within the body. Conversely, when the sounds are dissonant or disharmonious, the vibrations experienced by the body may also induce a state of disharmony.
When an individual experiences certain psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety, the body’s glands respond to anticipate these conditions—such as increased activity of the thyroid and adrenal glands. If this state persists over a prolonged period, it can lead to a psychophysical imbalance and a sense of discomfort. However, when the individual listens to music with harmonious qualities, the discomfort can be counterbalanced by the soothing vibrations of harmony, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. On the other hand, if the individual listens to disharmonious music—characterized by harsh tones, dissonant sounds, or screams and screeches—during such a state, it may further disrupt their balance and intensify their discomfort.
As previously mentioned, music represents nine aspects of narrative—not merely sound, but also stories and expressions that serve as guides for life. Spiritual music, in particular, takes the form of harmony and contains lyrics that offer life guidance, often used to cope with anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Through harmonious compositions accompanied by meaningful lyrics, individuals can gradually reflect on and find meaning in their life experiences. This process awakens self-awareness and encourages individuals to become more introspective and mindful.
Similarly, other forms of music—such as epic or romantic compositions—can expand an individual’s awareness through both guiding lyrics and harmonious musical arrangements. Harmony plays a crucial role, as it maintains unity within a given condition—just as a harmonious family preserves the cohesion of its members, and a harmonious psychophysical state reflects wellness that supports one’s overall health.
In the same way, harmonious music contributes to an individual’s psychophysical balance, enabling better concentration, thoughtful consideration, and harmonious decision-making. Conversely, disharmonious sounds tend to be disruptive, stimulating the body’s glands in a way that can be destructive, ultimately affecting the individual’s cognitive functions and ability to think clearly.
With the atmosphere of harmonious music, an individual’s creativity can flourish more easily, as creativity requires an imaginative “space” to foster innovation free from restrictive constraints. Being creative involves both the ability to focus attention (convergent thinking) and the ability to generate diverse alternatives (divergent thinking). This process requires a mental space for creation, and when accompanied by the harmonious vibrations of music, cognitive functions are more likely to operate smoothly—in alignment with the individual’s innate potential.
Music is now widely used as a therapeutic tool, a role that gained broader recognition when it was used to comfort war veterans during World War I and II. The therapeutic nature of music itself has deep historical roots, as seen in the story of Prophet David (Daud), who was known for his musicality even as a shepherd. Similarly, references in the *Songs of Solomon* highlight the healing potential of music. However, it was Everett Thayer Gaston (1901–1970), a U.S. psychologist from the University of Kansas (1940–1960), who pioneered the formal use of music therapy as a clinical approach. His work laid the foundation for future developments in the field, which were further expanded by Paul Nordoff, a composer and graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, who played a key role in advancing music therapy as a structured discipline.
A music therapy approach must be aligned with the specific nature of the individual’s issue—there is no universal answer or single type of music that can instantly improve a person’s mood. Music consists of various elements such as rhythm (tempo), volume, harmony, and tone color (timbre). For example, march music with a 3/4 tempo and strong percussion tends to evoke energy and motivation, while music with an andante tempo (moderate, around 70–80 beats per minute) generally promotes calmness and relaxation.
Therefore, the effectiveness of music therapy depends on both the problem being addressed and the individual’s familiarity with the music. If someone is not accustomed to listening to classical music, being exposed to a soothing classical piece might not necessarily be enjoyable or therapeutic for them. In such cases, the intended calming effects of the music may not be fully achieved. Personal preference and musical familiarity are crucial factors to consider in any therapeutic music intervention.
Another approach focuses not on music, but on sound itself. This method was developed by Alfred Tomatis, a Canadian ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, who introduced the use of uterine sounds—the sounds experienced in the womb—to promote relaxation. In this therapy, individuals lie on a sofa wearing headphones and listen to these soothing prenatal sounds, which can help induce a state of deep relaxation.
The concept of uterine sound has since evolved and is now widely used in various settings, including on airplanes, where passengers are offered calming sounds—such as the patter of rain, rustling leaves, or the roar of ocean waves—to help them relax and ease into a more peaceful state during flight.
Author: Dr. Monty P. Satiadarma, S.Psi., MS/AT, MFCC, DCH, Psychologist