Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Simply put, music therapy is where we use music to accomplish non-musical goals. Interventions are research and evidence-based and administered by a Board Certified Music Therapist.

amta_logo_final“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)

  • Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.
  • Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.
  • American Music Therapy Association – www.musictherapy.org
  • Board Certified Music Therapists provide music therapy services – www.cbmt.org

“Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional who develops individualized treatment and supportive interventions with people of all ages and ability levels to address their social, communication, emotional, physical, cognitive, sensory and spiritual needs.” (Certification Board for Music Therapists)

Who is qualified to practice music therapy?

Music therapy is administered by a Board Certified Music Therapist who has completed at least a BA in music therapy from an accredited music therapy program. Music therapy programs are accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (www.musictherapy.org). The board certification credential is accredited by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (www.cbmt.org).

Why music therapy?

  • Music therapy addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
  • Music therapy treatment includes creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.
  • Clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.
  • Music therapy provides alternate avenues for communication.
  • Music offers a safe, nonverbal way to express feelings.
  • Music therapy is a complimentary intervention which enhances the other therapies.

Examples of Music Therapy:

  • Individual Music Therapy
  • Group Music Therapy
  • Parent-Child Music Therapy
  • Applied Music Lessons
  • NICU Music Therapy
  • Substance Abuse Music Therapy Groups/Individual

Examples of a few populations:

  • Children and Teens
  • Adults
  • Early Intervention
  • Autism and Special Needs
  • NICU and Parent Support
  • Substance abuse and Addiction Recovery
  • Mental Health
  • Hospice
  • Dementia

Read More:

Music Therapy with Autism (page)

Music Therapy in the NICU (page)

For Parents in the NICU (page)

How Music Can Help My Preemie (post and FREE download)

Music Therapy in the NICU: Info For Hopsitals (FREE download)

Music Therapy with Substance Abuse (page)

Music Therapy: Does it Have a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse? (blog post)

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