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Nigeria
The origins of Musical therapy in Nigeria is unknown yet it is identified that there is a lengthy lineage and history of musical therapy being utilized throughout Nigerian culture. The most common people associated with music therapy are herbalists,Witch doctor s, and faith healers according to Professor Charles O. Aluede of Ambrose Alli University (Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria). Applying music and thematic sounds to the healing process is believed to help the patient overcome the true sickness in his/her mind which then will seemingly cure the disease. Another practice involving music is called "Igbeuku", a religious practice performed by faith healers. In the practice of Igbeuku, patients are persuaded to confess their sins which cause themselves serve discomfort. Following a confession, patients feel emotionally relieved because the priest has announced them clean and subjects them to a rigorous dancing exercise. The dancing exercise is a "thank you" for the healing and tribute to the spiritual greater beings. The dance is accompanied by music and can be included among the unorthodox medical practices of Nigerian culture. While most of the music therapy practices come in the medical field, musical therapy is often utilized in the passing of a loved one. The use of song and dance in a funeral setting is very common across the continent but especially in Nigeria. Songs allude to the idea the finally resting place is Hades which can be assumed to mean the same as hell. The music helps alleviate the sorrows felt by the family members and friends of the lost loved one. Along with music therapy being a practice for post-death it is also implemented to those dying as a last resort tactic.The Esan of Edo State of Nigeria in particular, herbalists perform practices with an Oko – a small aerophone made of elephant tusk which is blown into dying patients’ ears to resuscitate them. Nigeria is full of interesting cultural practices in which contribute a lot to the music therapy world.

Dementia
Music therapy has been proven to be of beneficial use to older adults all over the world. Dr. Hanne Mette Ridder, a musical therapy expert from Denmark, studied the importance of the roles of musical therapists and caregivers on the mental well-being of patients suffering from dementia. The use of musical interaction has been proven as a key factor in many countries for the improvement of older adults overall health. According to Karen Stuart, South Africa has poor quality services provided by hospital care facilities to elders dealing with dementia, therefore she discovered singing to be an effective method for improving patients well-being. The playing of classical music or therapeutic singing resulted in: enjoyment, awareness, and engagement. Providing a source of music in hospitals or care centers are valuable methods for contributing to the care of the patients, while also relieving stress placed on the caregiver and forming a bond between the patient and the caretaker.

Autism
With the increase of children diagnosed with autism, doctors have been on the search for a method that increases daily functions and decreases the struggles that autistic children and adults face. Many years of research and many studies later, doctors have seen a trend of improvement in children and adults dealing with autism from participating in music therapy. Music therapy has been a way to help improve the lives of lots of autistic children and adults recently. "A 2004 study from the Journal of Music Therapy found that music in interventions used with children and teens with ASD can improve social behaviors, increase focus and attention, increase communication attempts (vocalizations, verbalizations, gestures, and vocabulary), reduce anxiety, and improve body awareness and coordination" (Marcela De Vivo). Music is commonly used because it can stimulate both sides of the brain, rather than just one. Music therapists work to help increase communication skills and lower the anxiety these patients deal with daily. For example, people who have autism struggle with sensory overloads and sound sensitivities that can be very difficult for them to manage. Taking part in music therapy allows for the growth of the ability to cope with certain sound sensitivities. Allowing these individuals to be exposed to different sounds and noises and having to learn how to handle them in the best way possible has had a major beneficial impact on these children and adults. Aside from the many psychological impacts music therapy has on these patients, music therapy is also fun and an exciting part of these patients days. Many studies show that these activities involving music bring joy to these individuals and their families. Music therapy has had a major impact on the lives of children and adults diagnosed with autism and the effects of these sessions on the public will continue to increase as time goes on.

Additional Effects of Music on Autistic Patients
Music has played an important role in the research of dealing with autism, mainly in diagnosis, therapy, and behavioral abilities according to a scientific article written by Thenille Braun Janzen and Michael H. Thaut. The result of an experiment conducted was that music can help autistic patients hone their motor and attention skills as well as healthy neurodevelopment of socio- communication and interaction skills. Music therapy also resulted in positive improvement in selective attention, speech production, and language processing and acquisition in autistic patients.