23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

The theoretical reference model.
The two branches of knowledge of phenomenology and
acoustic physics serve as references in formulating our
theoretical model.
Phenomenology provides a starting-point for analysing
the philogenesis and ontogenesis of the man-sound
relationship, with particular reference to man's ability to
learn the function of listening and exploratory kinds of
behaviour which allow him to make contact with his
environment.
Acoustic physics supplies the analysis of sound
parameters (intensity, duration, loudness, timbre) with
particular reference to the phenomena of harmonic
tones and resonance.
The theory of harmonic tones explains the relation
which exists between the basic frequency of a tone and
the multiple frequencies which expand in proportion to
it.
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Resonance is the faculty of an elastic body for
spontaneous convibration when excited by external
vibrations whose frequency coincides with the natural
duration of its vibration.
In our view, the nature of sound is a relationship: firstly,
due to the resonance cavities in our bodies, between
the acustic vibrations generated by a motive power and
the auditive sensation produced when the sound wave
reaches us, forging a union between body and psyche.
Secondly, there can be a sound relationship between
two people (ex. therapist and child) who are in a
dynamic rapport, created by the medium of sound. We
use the term "covibration" to describe this relationship.
Vibration itself is an undulating movement, like that of a
pendulum or a swing. Sound vibration derives from very
fast movement of the sound body around its balance
position. The sound body is an elastic body which tends
to return to its original shape when the distorting force
stops. This is what also happens through the