What is music therapy?

Per the American Music Therapy Association, “Music Therapy is the clinical & 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.”

Who can practice music therapy?

A music therapist must complete an approved undergraduate or graduate course of study including clinical placements, complete a 1000 hour clinical internship program, and pass the Music Therapy Board Certification exam. To maintain certification, every music therapist must complete a required number of continuing education credits every 5 year certification cycle. Only a music therapist who completes these requirements can call themselves an MT-BC (Music Therapist, Board Certified).

Who does a music therapist work with?

A wide variety of individuals can benefit from music therapy! A Neurologic Music Therapist specializes in individuals who have a disease, disorder, injury, or difference impacting the brain. This includes a broad range of diagnoses including but not limited to: Autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease, Developmental Delay/Intellectual Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, TBI, Parkinson’s, CVA, etc.! There are also music therapists who specialize in working with different populations such as hospice care, memory care, mental health, community wellness, and many more!

What types of goals does a music therapist address?

This is dependent on the primary presenting areas of need after observation and assessment. Common goals areas include fine and gross motor skills, cognition, speech/language skills, and social emotional skills/well being. The goal is rarely “musical” in nature, but is the vehicle through which we achieve growth in different objectives.

What does a music therapy session look like?

An individual music therapy session is tailored to a specific person’s needs, goals, and individual music preferences. Common intervention types include active music making (instrument playing/singing), song writing, lyric analysis/discussion, guided listening, improvisation, and more! The music therapist will commonly facilitate using live music playing, but recorded music may also be used.

Do I have to play an instrument in order to access/benefit from music therapy services?

No musical experience is required! If however, you do have experience with an instrument your music therapist will offer you the opportunity to use that within the music therapy session.