A humanistic understanding of the use of digital technology in therapeutic songwriting
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 7-4-2018
Journal / Book Title
Music Therapy Perspectives
Abstract
This article explores the use of technology in therapeutic songwriting from a humanistic perspective focusing on the tenets of cultivating agency, expressing and voicing selfhood, and nurturing stakeholder engagement. Adolescents in the 21st century are using a variety of digital music platforms to (re)create their identities and invent new ways of transforming social discourse. By attuning to the humanistic qualities of digital technology used in therapeutic songwriting, music therapists can provide a space for adolescents who have experienced trauma to discover their potentiality. Songs will be shared for readers to experience how various recording and production techniques can reveal the lived experiences of songwriters within music therapy, as well as to highlight the humanistic tenets of agency, expressing and voicing selfhood, and stakeholder engagement. The need for cultural and ethical responsiveness when creating digital soundscapes with adolescents who have experienced childhood trauma and identify with Hip Hop Culture is discussed.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miy014
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Viega, Michael, "A humanistic understanding of the use of digital technology in therapeutic songwriting" (2018). John J. Cali School of Music Scholarship and Creative Works. 1.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/cali-facpubs/1
Published Citation
Viega, M. (2018). A humanistic understanding of the use of digital technology in therapeutic songwriting. Music Therapy Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miy014