FAQs

Why 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. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through:

musical responses
design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation
receptive music listening
song writing
lyric discussion
music and imagery
music performance
learning through music
and participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.

What Are Some Misconceptions About Music Therapy?

That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from Music Therapy – they do not! That there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest – this is not the case.

All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient’s life. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient’s goals help to determine the types of music a Music Therapist may use.

What Is A Typical Music Therapy Session Like?

Since music therapists serve a wide variety of persons with many different types of needs there is no such thing as an overall typical session. Sessions are designed and music selected based on the individual client’s treatment plan.

What Can Music Therapy Offer?

Music Therapy can be beneficial for all ages and diagnoses. Based on the client’s needs and musical preferences, a therapist designs a plan to reach the desired goals by using a varied tool kit of techniques, methods, and resources.

Here are some of the many benefits of Music Therapy:

To promote wellness, decrease stress and agitation, and alleviate pain.
Access long term memory with the help of reminiscence by singing old, familiar songs.
Increase gross and fine motor functioning through rehabilitation exercises performed to and through music.
Increase communication through both verbal and non-verbal methods.
Music Therapy has beneficial effects on blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and pain in people with coronary heart disease.
Improves socialization and communication skills especially in children with autistic spectrum disorder.
Decrease anxiety and symptoms of depression through music listening, lyric analysis, music and guided imagery.
Helps to fight addiction through social connection, emotional release and relaxation.