Music Preference

What is your favorite song and why? How does it make you feel when you hear it? Music preference can be an important part of music therapy treatment. Music can also be a powerful tool for accessing memories. You can probably remember what you were listening to in high school or where you were the first time you heard a special tune. Certain songs can bring memories of special events. However, unpleasant or sad memories can also be triggered by music. For me, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” is a very sad song. Music therapists include music preferences in their assessment and watch for negative reactions to songs that are used in their sessions. This is very important in working with patients who may have experienced trauma in their past, including aging veterans.

What is a song that brings pleasant memories for you?