Music has been used therapeutically since the creation of time. The Bible mentions many times the use of music to praise and glorify God, to sooth hurting hearts, or to improve one's mood. Today we know music helps us feel motivated or energized. In the 1950's the need for an official course of study in Music Therapy was recognized and the National Association of Music Therapy (later renamed the American Music Therapy Association) was formed to develop standards for university-level education and board-certification. Despite its long history, many are unaware of the significant benefits music therapy offers.

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.

Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings.

Who is a Music Therapist?

A music therapist has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited college, completed 1200 hours of clinical training in an approved internship site, and satisfied the board-certification exam allowing the use of the credentials MT-BC (music therapist – board certified).

Music therapists are skilled in guitar, piano and voice and are experienced in clinical and therapeutic areas qualifying them to work in a wide variety of locations.

Masters and PhD programs are available for music therapists as are advanced certifications such as neurologic music therapy (NMT) and NICU music therapy.

Music therapists work in many places including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation facilities, prisons and Hospice.

Who can benefit from Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is appropriate for many people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. Populations served include:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Learning Disorder
  • Behavior Disorder
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Developmental Delay
  • Speech Disorder
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Hearing Impaired
  • At Risk Youth
  • Aging Adults
  • Hospice
  • Mental Health
  • Stroke
  • Dementia

What do Music Therapists Do?

  • Referral: Request of a music therapy assessment based on the child's need for improvement or maintenance.
  • Assessment: Obtain quantitative and qualitative information of child's history and present condition - analysis of hte child's abilities, needs, strengths and weaknesses relevant to client needs.
  • Treatment Planning: Develop music therapy strategies to address short and long-term goals and objectives.
  • Implementation: Provide evidence-based music therapy strategies and interventions to address identified goals and objectives.
  • Evaluation and Documentation: Collect, compile and document data relevant to client responses and progress, utilizing the findings to make decisions about music therapy services.

Music Therapy Sessions

Individual Music Therapy is provided in a one-to-one setting with the client and the therapist. Personalized attention and interventions ensure attention to specific needs.

Group Music Therapy is available for groups of 3 to 12 individuals. More opportunities for socialization and peer interaction are available in this setting.