Connections between Rudolf Steiner's concept of the threefold human being and some approaches to music therapy

<p><strong>Abstract This qualitative research project explores Rudolf Steiner’s concept of the threefold human being and its relation to ‘mainstream’ music therapy. Steiner’s concept of the threefold human being has been developed and practised in Anthroposophical Music Therapy (AnMt), as well as other international anthroposophical disciplines, such as the education and health sectors. However, the use of the threefold human model can also be relevant to mainstream music therapy. This project aimed to look for the connections between the threefold human being and mainstream music therapy. I utilised an exploratory theoretical methodology to compare anthroposophical literature to mainstream music therapy practice. Data sources were literature, media examples, and reflections on my school education and experiences as a growing music therapist. I employed thematic analysis to examine these connections. The six main themes that I found in this analysis are: (1) Thinking, (2) Feeling, and (3) Willing as aspects of the threefold human being; (4) Concepts of soul and spirit in relation to the threefold human being; (5) Balancing aspects to enable a healthy threefold human; (6) The arts contributing to participant health and wellbeing.</strong></p><p>The findings of this research show Steiner’s model of the threefold human being were not used by music therapists in an integrated or conscious way. Nevertheless, the concepts are implied in the literature and often used by therapists in practice. Based on this finding, music therapists might be interested to include aspects of the threefold human being more explicitly into their practice. In the discussion I suggest an alignment between the integrative, balancing processes of the threefold human in Steiner's model and some Indigenous cultures.</p><p>Keywords: Music therapy; Anthroposophical Music Therapy (AnMt); Rudolf Steiner; anthroposophy; threefold human being; Thinking, Feeling, Willing; fourfold human being; Indigenous cultures; Aotearoa, New Zealand.</p>