Cells and Motives

Abstract

This chapter explores the function of cells and motives within a variety of musical-cultural traditions and genres, with a focus on western classical traditions. The chapter then expands upon the relevance of cells and motives in connection to music therapy practice through an exploration of Nordoff-Robbins music therapy, aesthetic music therapy, and communicative musicality. Exercises are presented to assist music therapists in bringing intentionality to the creation and development of motives. Rooted in a music-centred perspective, this chapter promotes the idea that developing their expressive palettes as musicians can assist music therapists in better serving their clients. Careful attention to music’s structural elements, including cells and motives, can help therapists support clients’ music-making and foster mutuality in shared improvisations. Additionally, music therapists must remain culturally aware, recognizing that musical elements, such as the cell and motive, may hold different functions within diverse musics and contexts.