Customer Reviews

Hear The Music! A New Approach To Mental Health

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although this book was written in the 70's, its work is incredibly refreshing, new and avant-gard. Dr. Hoffman's work should be recognized as truly pioneering in the work with the most treatment resistive.

This work is enormous, for a small book. It has enlightened me regarding the difference between, merely using music, and treating with music (rhythm) with individual's who are emotionally disturbed.

Dr. Hoffman should be applauded for his insights, over 3 decades ago. His work should be considered "unaging" (timeless) and brilliant!

I have researced a multitude of books on the subject of music therapy, and Dr. Hoffman's thought's, insights and treatment approach are without equal.

As a student in the field of music therapy, (2002), I can honestly say that the approaches presented in Dr. Hoffman's "Hear the Music", written in 1974, are indeed ahead of their time. This book is extremely unique and needs to be incorporated in today's music therapy. Hear the Music was invaluable when writing my thesis; I would love to see an updated version of his techniques with treatment resistive children.

This skimpy and disjointed book presents an outdated (and parent-blaming) psychoanalytic view of autistic and other "psychotic" children. Its application of music therapy extends no further than removing a child's beloved records on the grounds that they encourage "unhealthy fantasy" and only allowing him to hear them if he pays attention to "talking or checkers".