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.

“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

Fact Sheets and Research from AMTA:

Music Therapy and Young Children

Music Therapy and Special Education

Music Therapy and Music Education

Special Education: Music Therapy Research and Evidence-Based Practice Support

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Music Therapy Research and Evidence-Based Practice Support

Music Therapy and Mental Health

Music Therapy in Mental Health – Evidence-Based Practice Support

Music Therapy Interventions in Trauma, Depression and Substance Abuse:  Selected References and Key Findings

Music Therapy in Response to Crisis and Trauma

Music Therapy and Pain Management

Music Therapy and Medicine

Want to know more?

Visit musictherapy.org to learn more about music therapy from the American Music Therapy Association

Visit cbmt.org to learn about the board certification for music therapists or to find a board certified music therapist in other areas across the nation – Certification Board for Music Therapist