In definition, music therapy is “the clinical, evidence-based use of musical interventions to achieve individualized goals” (American Music Therapy). Music has been an element of the human psyche since early ancestors fell asleep to the rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the shore and awoke to birdsong at dawn. Theories of music therapy date back to ancient Egypt where it was called the “physics of the soul,” in other words, a healing power (Podolsky). It gained traction during World Wars I and II, when volunteers played instruments and sang for wounded soldiers in hospitals. Music is an integral part of our culture and our emotional health. Barbara Crowe, president of the National Association for Music Therapy said, “Music therapy can make the difference between withdrawal and mindfulness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort.” More research is clearly needed on the effects of music on people with disabilities and how best to benefit customers. Critics view music therapy as lacking in efficacy or merit, questioning whether people truly benefit from the therapy, and debate whether insurance should rightfully pay for the sessions it is currently used to improve traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients to retrain emotions , communication and physical skills to recover their overall health. The definition of TBI is “physical damage to living brain tissue caused by an external, mechanical force” (Baker, 2001). (explain) Scientists have shown that music stimulates most areas of the brain thanks to advances in brain imaging. In a telling quote from Kevin Shapiro, music is “integrally woven into the fabric of the nervous system.” The structure of the music is actually highly......middle of paper......ews, Houston, Texas News, Weather, Sports |. Peck, Sara. “Sound News from the Healing Music Organization.” All music is healing! October 10, 2009. Web. March 9, 2011. Ritter, Malcolm Dice." Latest news and opinion on The Huffington Post. February 17, 2011. Web. February 20, 2011. Shauk, Zain and Todd Ackerman. "Representative Gabrielle Giffords advances in rehabilitation with music therapy." Untimate Clear Lake, February 14, 2011. Web, February 15, 2011. Shapiro, Kevin “Mystical Chords.” Commentary 125.5 (2007): 73+. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web March 2, 2011. Staff, Science News "Your Brain On Music 178. (2010): 27 Web. Sternberg, Steve. "For brain injuries, a therapeutic gap". USA TODAY March 1, 201. national edition: 2A+.