Dynamic Interplay in Clinical Improvisation

Abstract: When a therapist and patient/client are actively engaged in improvising music together, the potential exists for the development of an intimate and dynamic emotional relationship. The improvisation reveals both players’ capacity for forming, expressing and communicating dynamic forms of feeling, within the context of this music relationship.

This paper examines the concept of dynamic forms, with recourse to the literature on mother-infant interaction, and applies this concept to clarify’ the use of clinical improvisation in music therapy.

I would like to begin by examining the title, since this will clarify the theoretical framework within which this paper will develop. Chambers Dictionary (1988) defines “dynamic” as relating to force; activity or things in motion; forms or patterns of growth or change; any driving force instrumental in growth or change. The word “interplay” refers to the reciprocal, mutual musical interaction between therapist and patient. Both players’ contributions help to clarify the quality of the emotional interaction in the musical relationship. The concept of “clinical improvisation” in music therapy is best illustrated by a detour via the literature of mother-infant interaction.

https://normt.uib.no/index.php/voices/article/viewArticle/88/70