Atmosphere - an aesthetic concept in music therapy with dementia

This paper introduces readers to a conception of music therapy based on atmosphere. Its practical application has been developed over many years of work in the field of dementia and its basis in theory has also been described. At its centre is an aesthetic understanding of therapy whose aim is to create Therapeutic Atmospheres. The practical context is described and a brief account is given of the research methodology used in developing the conception. Theoretical relationships are highlighted and insight is offered into their content and structure. Brief case descriptions help to present the world of experience within which music therapy operates when carried out as part of the residential care of people with dementia.