Therapeutic Clarinet Playing for the Treatment of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting millions of people in the United States. Medication is effective at treating physiological symptoms of asthma, but other treatments are necessary to address the corresponding physical, emotional, social, and psychological issues and promote increased quality of life for patients. This paper presents a literature review on the applications of music therapy for asthma and other respiratory disorders, utilizing elements of Therapeutic Singing and Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance. A treatment protocol that uses therapeutic clarinet playing interventions, combined with breathing exercises and music-assisted relaxation techniques, can, as a compliment to medication, help asthma patients increase their physical functioning, effectively manage their symptoms, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life.