What Is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical, evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. Music therapy provides enjoyable, engaging experiences, allowing clients to build strengths while improving areas of need. No musical training or skill is necessary for an individual to benefit from music therapy.
Who Is A Qualified Music Therapist?
At minimum, a qualified music therapist is someone who holds a bachelor's degree in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association. A music therapist has also completed a minimum of 1040 hours of clinical training and is Board Certified.
What Goals Can Music Therapy Help With?
Music Therapy can help clients achieve their goals in several areas. Cognitively, Music Therapy can assist with memory orientation, on-task behavior, following directions and general academic concepts. Physically, it helps with motor skills, body-awareness, pain management and sensory adaptation.
In helping a client with social skills goals, the emphasis may be on independence, confidence, interaction with others and interpersonal skills, while emotional goals may include coping skills, impulse control, relaxation skills and stress management.
Who can Benefit from Music Therapy Sessions?
Among myriad populations deriving benefit from Music Therapy, a few examples are: Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mental Health, Behavioral and Emotional Disorders, Learning Disorders, Geriatrics, including Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia and Hospice/Palliative Care.
How Does Music Therapy Work?
Music Therapy uses the unique qualities of music to help children and adults live more creatively and resourcefully in the face of illness, disability or traumatic experiences. It can take place in schools, hospitals, day centers or purpose-built facilities, individually or in groups, alone or within an individualized treatment plan.
What Might Happen during a Typical Session?
My music therapy sessions involve a wide variety of musical experiences individualized to the client's preferences and goals. Music therapy sessions are highly enjoyable to most clients. A typical session may include movement to music, singing and/or vocal improvisations to music, playing or improvising with instruments, musical instruction, games, relaxation techniques and opportunities for social interaction.