The Elements of Sound

Musical Soundscapes

Al Bumanis, director of communications for the American Music Therapy Association, notes that certain music can energize people instead of relax them. It's imperative the chosen music has the ability to calm the client. With the right music, entrainment quickly puts clients in a relaxed state. Plus, the next time that client hears the same music, she will relax even faster.

Slow jazz, classical, Celtic, and chamber music usually appeal to clients, Catalano says. Classical guitar and piano are instruments frequently used to create entrainment music.

Nature Soundcapes

Nature sounds are great for treatment rooms because there are no mistakes in nature.The sounds of the ocean, rain in the forest, and birds create alpha brain waves in the client. Alpha waves are seen in wakefulness where there is a relaxed and effortless alertness, which is ideal for the massage environment.