Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music by a Board Certified Music Therapist to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health within a therapeutic relationship. A music therapist will assess a person’s unique abilities and needs in order to determine the best way to use music in any particular session. Following this assessment, the music therapist will create specific and measurable goals for the sessions to come. Music therapy involves a range of musical activities, which can include listening to, playing, and creating music. 

Because participating in music is generally experienced as fun and enjoyable, a person receiving music therapy may not perceive the session as “work” in the same way they would other forms of treatment. Additionally, people who have trouble expressing themselves emotionally and verbally in traditional forms of treatment might find that music opens up a natural means for self-expression.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MUSIC THERAPY?

Music therapy benefits people with many different conditions and needs.  Research shows that making music activates more areas of the brain than any other activity. In older populations, music therapy is often used with people in hospice, as well as with people who have dementia and Parkinson's disease. In younger populations, music therapy may be used to promote better functioning in people with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder. Music therapy is also used to help people who have brain and spinal cord injuries, substance abuse disorders, and mental health issues. In the neo-natal unit, music can help prematurely born infants to feed and bond with their caregivers. People receiving music therapy do not need to have a musical background in order to benefit from treatment. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN A MUSIC THERAPY SESSION? 

Depending on the music therapist’s and client’s goals, a music therapy session may involve listening to music, improvising, playing music, singing, writing songs, learning songs, moving to music, analyzing song lyrics, and playing musical games. Music therapy can happen in groups, or one-on-one. Generally the music therapist will use music the client prefers.

who can music therapy benefit?

Music Therapy can benefit individuals with:
Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Brain or Spinal Cord Injuries
Bi-polar Disorder
Dementia
Depression
Developmental Delays
End of Life Concerns
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Preterm Birth
Schizophrenia
Substance Dependency

sample activities

Musical Improvisation
Active Listening
Playing Instruments
Singing
Songwriting
Playing Musical Games
Moving to Music