An Introduction to Vibroacoustic Therapy and an Examination of its Place in Music Therapy Practice

Vibroacoustic (VA) therapy transmits to the body pre-recorded music, or pre-recorded music combined with sinusoidal low frequency sound, through loud speakers built into a chair, table or bed unit. The development of VA therapy has not been confined to one country or one product and, after examining the theoretical background to VA therapy, the author describes four VA systems. In Europe, music therapy is traditionally seen as a process which develops from an ‘active’ musical relationship. In contrast VA therapy is a ‘receptive’ intervention. The author discusses completed and on-going research with VA equipment, and concludes by asking – is VA therapy music therapy? He suggests that the principles of VA therapy can inform active music-making.