Music therapy in the United States at the end of the 18th century. Although the United States began using it in the late 18th century, there is evidence that music has been used for healing since ancient times. This evidence is in the form of historical writings from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and India. The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome also have evidence of using music for healing. Music therapy today is very different from how it was originally used in ancient times. Music therapy is also evident in biblical scriptures. Although music therapy is not very well known, it can be very useful and beneficial for people of different ages and for those with health problems. There may be some negative effects, but research is underway to help a wider range of people, and for the most part, music therapy is a wonderful thing. (Note 9) In the 1950s, a professional organization was formed by the collaboration of music therapists working with veterans and mentally retarded people. They also worked with people with hearing or vision problems and with psychiatric people. The organization they created was called NAMT. NAMT stands for National Association of Music Therapy. Then in 1998 NAMT joined with another music therapy organization. They joined the American Association for Music Therapy and created the American Music Therapy Association. (Note 9) The overall mission of music therapy is to increase and promote public awareness of music therapy and its benefits. Promoting access to quality music therapy services is also part of music therapy's mission. Music therapy can be used for many different purposes. Music therapy can be designed to promote well-being, manage stress and relieve pain. It can also be designed to express feelings,...... middle of paper... common vocabulary. (Note 14) However, music therapy is not just for group or individual sessions. Music can also be used in the workplace as calming therapy. Music played in the workplace can have several benefits. In undemanding or repetitive jobs it can improve overall productivity. Music played in physically demanding workplaces can improve employee performance. Music used in the workplace as relaxing therapy can also improve morale. Morale is the confidence, enthusiasm and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. Another benefit of playing music in a work environment is that employees are more likely to collaborate with each other and support each other. (Note 15) Music therapy not only works on adults in the workplace but also on premature babies, newborns and children.