Description: This book explores how people may use music in ways that are helpful for them, especially in relation to a sense of wellbeing, belonging and participation. The central premise for the study is that help is not a decontextualized effect that music produces. The book contributes to the current discourse on music, culture and society and it is developed in dialogue with related areas of study, such as music sociology, ethnomusicology, community psychology and health promotion. Where Music Helps describes the emerging movement that has been labelled Community Music Therapy, and it presents ethnographically informed case studies of eight music projects (localized in England, Israel, Norway, and South Africa). Taken together these case studies theoretically inform a discussion of how an understanding of extra-musical processes is necessary for any understanding of musical processes.
Review Quotes: 'This remarkable book, which describes results from an international, multi-sited study of community music therapy, conceptualizes music therapy as social action and as interaction in particular contexts. The eight case studies it presents show us that, far from being like a drug, music's healing powers emerge from within communities of practice. Where Music Helps shows us where and how music offers us ways of making environments hospitable, often under the deceptively simple rubric of having fun.' Tia DeNora, Professor of Sociology of Music, University of Exeter, UK ... an enjoyable read... A valuable resource in sociology, education, and community-service studies, as well as music... highly recommended. Choice '... single situations are described in the book with which the reader can feel touched by and can share this special CoMT experience and results. In a unique way this book brings together practice and theory. It is highly recommended for music therapy clinicians, researchers and students.' Approaches