The Role of Structure in Improvisation
Structure in the context of music therapy improvisation refers to (a) the degree of control, or how
many options, exist within the use of the musical elements; (b) the way in which the patient(s) is to
use the music and the degree of emphasis upon the interpersonal processes; and (c) the assignment of
instruments and musical roles in a group. Increasing the amount of structure within a musical experience
is an intervention meant to allow for greater predictability, as well as maximal involvement, by reducing
the amount of musical options for lower functioning patients. Using structure as a variable in treatment
can be seen as a supportive externalized ego, temporarily providing those ego functions that the patient
is less able to access due to symptoms of mental illness. Generally speaking, musical options can be
increased as symptoms remit. A good balance between the degree and the type of structure in relation to
the patient's capabilities can produce good results. The patient may demonstrate not only reality-base~_
musical behavior but also pleasure within aesthetic involvement, some level of creativity, and attunement
with the music, the group, and/or the therapeutic relationship.
The therapist must make ongoing decisions concerning the individual's or group members' needs for
adjustments in levels of structure, or ego support, depending upon presenting symptoms and observed
musical responses. For example, a disorganized patient suffering from a manic state may have greater
periods of focus on the music therapy experience if he or she has an instrument option, such as a pair of
bongo drums, to play within a recognizable, predictable song form or musical style that is provided by the
therapist in an individual session. However, with that same patient, an experienced music therapist can
encourage the use of an instrument with many options, such as a xylophone. Introducing the concept of a
tonal center may help to anchor the patient's focus in the improvisation. With sufficient musical structure
provided by the therapist in the form of a musical holding environment (externalized ego support), the
patient may be able to effectively use the therapist's musical support to maintain a musically meaningful
reality focus in the music.
An example of the therapist introducing a high degree of structure in the form of musical grounding
is playing a clear bass pattern or repeated melodic or rhythmic motive for predictability. The patient is
initially encouraged to respond by creating a rhythmic response on a drum or a prepared (specific tonal
arrangement) xylophone. If the patient seems unable to fit in with the music and plays randomly with great
discharge and little connection to the beat, the therapist might suggest a reduction in patient options by
saying, "Try playing a little slower with one mallet." Once there is a meeting in the time element of the
music, then the therapist can assume that the patient is somewhat oriented to the reality of the music
experience and can then encourage greater freedom in experimenting with musical options.
The Role of Structure in Improvisation
Structure in the context of music therapy improvisation refers to (a) the degree of control, or how
many options, exist within the use of the musical elements; (b) the way in which the patient(s) is to
use the music and the degree of emphasis upon the interpersonal processes; and (c) the assignment of
instruments and musical roles in a group. Increasing the amount of structure within a musical experience
is an intervention meant to allow for greater predictability, as well as maximal involvement, by reducing
the amount of musical options for lower functioning patients. Using structure as a variable in treatment
can be seen as a supportive externalized ego, temporarily providing those ego functions that the patient
is less able to access due to symptoms of mental illness. Generally speaking, musical options can be
increased as symptoms remit. A good balance between the degree and the type of structure in relation to
the patient's capabilities can produce good results. The patient may demonstrate not only reality-base~_
musical behavior but also pleasure within aesthetic involvement, some level of creativity, and attunement
with the music, the group, and/or the therapeutic relationship.
The therapist must make ongoing decisions concerning the individual's or group members' needs for
adjustments in levels of structure, or ego support, depending upon presenting symptoms and observed
musical responses. For example, a disorganized patient suffering from a manic state may have greater
periods of focus on the music therapy experience if he or she has an instrument option, such as a pair of
bongo drums, to play within a recognizable, predictable song form or musical style that is provided by the
therapist in an individual session. However, with that same patient, an experienced music therapist can
encourage the use of an instrument with many options, such as a xylophone. Introducing the concept of a
tonal center may help to anchor the patient's focus in the improvisation. With sufficient musical structure
provided by the therapist in the form of a musical holding environment (externalized ego support), the
patient may be able to effectively use the therapist's musical support to maintain a musically meaningful
reality focus in the music.
An example of the therapist introducing a high degree of structure in the form of musical grounding
is playing a clear bass pattern or repeated melodic or rhythmic motive for predictability. The patient is
initially encouraged to respond by creating a rhythmic response on a drum or a prepared (specific tonal
arrangement) xylophone. If the patient seems unable to fit in with the music and plays randomly with great
discharge and little connection to the beat, the therapist might suggest a reduction in patient options by
saying, "Try playing a little slower with one mallet." Once there is a meeting in the time element of the
music, then the therapist can assume that the patient is somewhat oriented to the reality of the music
experience and can then encourage greater freedom in experimenting with musical options.
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