The History, Current Role, and Future of Music Therapy in India

This paper is based on an assignment conducted for a graduate music therapy course which included interviews with Prof. Dr. Sumathy Sundar and Aastha Luthra, both mu- sic therapists currently practicing in India. It is a compilation of personal communica- tions and writings from Prof. Dr. Sundar and Luthra, with some additional background from Dr. Sangeeta Swamy, on the history, current role, and future of music therapy in India. This paper acknowledges the effects of colonization; outlines current music therapy educational practices, theoretical orientations, methods, instruments, popu- lations, and settings; honors the cultural diversity of this complex country; and high- lights the personal role that music can also play for music therapists. In addition, this paper seeks to increase the dialogue regarding both the challenges and sources of hope in building the future of music therapy in India.