Making the Music
Muse
Inspiration from outside medicine
“Composing, for me, is falling in love with a musical idea. And having another idea that joins it. And then another. Until at the end of some months, I have a composition. My compositions are like little children: They continue to develop. If I continue to play them, they suggest new ideas to me. And that’s one of the thrills of making music.
“One overlap between music and psychotherapy is listening. I try to make sessions ‘musical’ by listening carefully and playing counterpoint to patients’ issues. While I don’t characterize myself as a jazz musician, I do use improvisation. When I play with other musicians, I’m listening for what they’re playing. I recorded with the great jazz bassist Ron Carter and remember this warm feeling, like I was being held in his arms and cradled. I just listened, and the music flowed out of me.
“I wrote a song called ‘I’ve Got to Make the Music in Me.’ I just have to do it. There was a time in graduate school when I wasn’t playing music. I got really depressed. Music completes me.”
Learn more: robertallanphd.com.
Fall 2024 Front to Back
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