SOUND AS SOLACE: INSIGHTS INTO THE EVOLUTION AND PRACTICE OF MUSIC THERAPY IN INDIA

This study explores the evolution, practice, and professional challenges of music therapy in India, a field positioned at the intersection of ancient healing traditions and modern clinical science. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six practicing music therapists across diverse settings to understand their experiences, methods, and perceptions. Thematic analysis revealed four central themes: the integration of personal and professional identity, client-centered and culturally adaptive practice methods, systemic barriers to recognition and regulation, and a collective optimism regarding the fields growth. While practitioners consistently demonstrated innovation and cultural sensitivity, the absence of standardized certification, research funding, and government recognition emerged as major constraints. The study concludes that music therapy in India holds strong potential for integration into mainstream mental health care, contingent on the establishment of regulatory frameworks, professional associations, and policy support. These findings underscore the need for systemic reform to transform music therapy from an emerging practice into a formally recognized healthcare discipline.