about music therapy
why music?
Music is engaging, accessible, and empowering, and it’s an emotional experience, which allows therapists to connect with clients on an intimate level. And music is unique in that it activates our brain in ways no other sensory experience does – in fact, music listening stimulates areas across the entire brain, including emotional, motor, and creative areas.
Because of its familiarity and predictability, music is often perceived as non-threatening, and the adaptability of interventions to suit an individual’s specific preferences and needs makes music an ideal and motivating therapeutic approach.
what is music therapy?
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession in which music interventions are used by a credentialed professional within a therapeutic relationship to accomplish individualized goals.
Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- promote wellness
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- express feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- promote physical rehabilitation
To learn more about the field and practice of music therapy and for related resources, check out the American Music Therapy Association.
who is qualified to practice?
A professional music therapist holds a nationally recognized credential, that of Music Therapist-Board Certified, or MT-BC. To become credentialed, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in music therapy from one of the American Music Therapy Association’s (AMTA) approved college or university degree program. In addition to academic coursework focusing on music foundations, clinical foundations, and music therapy foundations and principles as specified in the AMTA Professional Competencies, the bachelor’s degree requires hours of clinical training and a supervised internship.
Upon completion of their degree and internship, individuals are then eligible to sit for the national examination.
MT-BCs are required to recertify every 5 years. To learn more about certification or to confirm a music therapist’s credentials, please visit the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
who can benefit?
Music therapy can enhance the lives of people of all ages, from infants to older adults, with a variety of needs, including:
- early intervention
- developmental and intellectual disabilities
- physical disabilities
- mental health disorders
- substance abuse issues
- rehabilitation needs
- brain injuries
- chronic and acute pain
- dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other aging-related conditions
- general wellness
what goals are addressed?
Goals addressed in music therapy interventions may include:
- improving social and communication skills
- exploring problem solving
- complementing behavioral management strategies
- enriching academic skills
- heightening self awareness
- increasing self esteem and confidence
- supporting self expresssion
- providing a safe and supportive space to process situations and emotions
- improving strategies for anger management
- assisting in developing healthy and effective coping strategies
- encouraging reminiscence and social interaction
- providing sensory supports
- encouraging physical activity and an active lifestyle
- developing and improving strategies for stress management and increasing relaxation
where do music therapists work?
Music therapists provide services in a variety of settings, including:
- private residences
- public and private schools
- daycare facilities
- group homes
- day programs
- inpatient and outpatient programs
- hospitals
- nursing homes
- rehabilitation facilities
what’s the difference between music therapy and music education?
The objective of music education is to gain music skills, such as playing an instrument, learning theory, vocal techniques, etc. Music therapy goals are non-musical, such as improving communication skills or reducing stress. Although individuals may acquire or improve music skills as a result of therapy sessions, this is not the primary focus.