Music Therapy
What is music therapy?
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)
Scholarly research in the field of music therapy can be found in
refereed journals such as the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy
Perspectives, British Journal of Music Therapy, and Nordic Journal of
Music Therapy.
Who are music therapists?
Music therapists are individuals who have earned a minimum of a
bachelor’s degree in music therapy from one of the 70 AMTA
approved degree programs. The course of study includes classes in
music therapy; psychology; music; biological, social, and behavioral
sciences; special education; and general studies. The course work also
includes supervised fieldwork and a six- to nine-month full-time
internship. Those who pass the national certification exam become
board certified (MT-BC). Some states also require licensure, e.g. a
music therapist can become a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in
New York State.
What is a typical session like?
Although there is no standard session because the session is
individualized to meet the client's particular learning style and needs,
these are some music therapy interventions that may be used:
What is the difference between music therapy and
music education?
Music education primarily addresses musical development and
typically focuses upon the final musical product. Music therapy is
process-oriented, conducted by a certified music therapist, and
addresses non-musical goals and musical goals.
Why try music therapy?
What are some goals in music therapy?
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)
Scholarly research in the field of music therapy can be found in
refereed journals such as the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy
Perspectives, British Journal of Music Therapy, and Nordic Journal of
Music Therapy.
Who are music therapists?
Music therapists are individuals who have earned a minimum of a
bachelor’s degree in music therapy from one of the 70 AMTA
approved degree programs. The course of study includes classes in
music therapy; psychology; music; biological, social, and behavioral
sciences; special education; and general studies. The course work also
includes supervised fieldwork and a six- to nine-month full-time
internship. Those who pass the national certification exam become
board certified (MT-BC). Some states also require licensure, e.g. a
music therapist can become a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in
New York State.
What is a typical session like?
Although there is no standard session because the session is
individualized to meet the client's particular learning style and needs,
these are some music therapy interventions that may be used:
- Singing and vocal improvisation for speech and language
development, communication, interaction, and self-expression - Playing instruments of all kinds for gross and fine motor
development, self-expression and non-verbal communication,
and auditory-motor integration - Songwriting and lyric improvisation for self-expression and
expressive language skills - Movement to music for motor coordination and social
interaction - Topic-specific songs for enhancing memory, academic or ADL
skills - Music guided relaxation
What is the difference between music therapy and
music education?
Music education primarily addresses musical development and
typically focuses upon the final musical product. Music therapy is
process-oriented, conducted by a certified music therapist, and
addresses non-musical goals and musical goals.
Why try music therapy?
- Music is a universal language which can reach individuals with
varying abilities, often when nothing else can. - For most people, especially children, music is enjoyable.
Therefore music therapy is a naturally reinforcing and
engaging means of therapy. - Music therapy meets the client at his or her own level and is
unique and individualized. - Music is multi-sensory and addresses several needs
simultaneously. - The structure of music provides organization and a sense of
security, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks. - Making music is a naturally social, expressive, and
communicative experience. - Because music is processed by both brain hemispheres, music
therapy can stimulate cognitive and speech and language skills.
What are some goals in music therapy?
- Increase social interaction and social skills
- Lead to improved self-esteem and confidence
- Improve fine and gross motor coordination
- Improve language and communication skills
- Facilitate self-expression and increase quality of life
- Reduce anxiety and provide organization for sensory systems
- Improve attention and memory skills
- Enhance learning of academic and functional living information
- Increase emotional awareness and modulation
- Reduce perception of pain
| "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." -Aldous Huxley |
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Serving Chapel Hill, NC and the Triangle 919.428.3680 alie@ ossiamusicservices .com |
Links for more information: The American Music Therapy Association Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center |