What is it?
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 interventions can be designed to promote wellness; manage stress; alleviate pain; express feelings; enhance memory; improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation.
Who can benefit?
Populations served by Music Therapists include, but are not limited to:
Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings; it improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the those with disabilities or illnesses.
- Mental health needs
- Developmental and learning disabilities
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Brain injuries
- Physical disabilities
- Acute and chronic pain etc.
Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings; it improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the those with disabilities or illnesses.
What do we 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:
- Singing
- Instrument Playing
- Composing
- Improvising
- Receptive music listening
- Lyric discussion
I don't know how to play music!
Clients or patients are not required to have music ability to benefit from music therapy. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient’s goals will help determine the types of music a music therapist may use. Healthy individuals can use music for stress reduction via active music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation. Music is often a vital support for physical exercise to enhance healthiness and quality of life as well.
How is music therapy different from music entertainment?
Music therapy moves music from a passive to an active activity. Listening to music is fantastic, and there’s no doubt that just that activity in itself can facilitate therapeutic goals like relaxation. However, a music therapist has the skills and training to turn simple passive music listening experience into an active experience. Whether it’s singing with music, moving to music, playing instruments, and yes, even just listening, I’m able to make my group members active participants in the music. This increases the level of participation and engagement, which is extremely important in the healthcare setting, especially assisted-living facilities for memory care.
Music therapy is not concerned with musical outcomes. As music therapists, we focus on meeting specific treatment goals designed for each client. We want each client to participate to the best of their ability. It may be just singing one word in a song, or to participate in active music making within a group. Music is used to facilitate a response suitable for that individual.
A music therapist is present to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals; we aid in helping clients accomplish something meaningful to themselves. Clients will be able to feel that they are part of the whole music making process.
Music therapy is not concerned with musical outcomes. As music therapists, we focus on meeting specific treatment goals designed for each client. We want each client to participate to the best of their ability. It may be just singing one word in a song, or to participate in active music making within a group. Music is used to facilitate a response suitable for that individual.
A music therapist is present to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals; we aid in helping clients accomplish something meaningful to themselves. Clients will be able to feel that they are part of the whole music making process.