What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the evidence-based practice of using individualized music experiences to to address specific client goals, within a therapeutic relationship with a board-certified music therapist.

These may include emotional, social, neurological, cognitive, spiritual, developmental, and physical goals, such as:

  • mood

  • quality of life

  • emotional expression

  • coping skills

  • supportive environment

  • cognitive stimulation

  • sensory processing

  • self-esteem

  • reminiscence

  • family support

Elevate, increase, or enhance:

  • communication

  • PT, OT, goals ST goals

  • academic goals

  • developmental growth

  • personal growth goals

  • emotional processing

  • general wellness

  • physical activity

  • motivation

  • relaxation

  • anxiety

  • agitation

  • depression

  • symptoms of sundowning

  • pain perception

  • sensory sensitivity

  • confusion

  • resistance to care

  • caregiver stress

  • isolation

  • impact of length of stay

  • impact of illness

  • impact of life change

  • nausea

Decrease or reduce:

Music therapy might look like play one minute and counseling the next minute depending on the client's needs.

Music therapy interventions include things like:

  • guided imagery

  • reminiscence and life review

  • lyric fill-in

  • singing

  • stimulation of speech

  • co-treatment with other therapies

  • instrument play

  • singing

  • songwriting

  • music listening

  • lyric analysis

  • movement to music

  • music-facilitated relaxation

  • therapeutic conversation

  • verbal processing

  • sensory stimulation

  • music games

  • imaginative play

  • …and more!

Music therapists work with people of all ages and stages of life.

You’ll see music therapists working with clients in pre-op, general, and intensive care in adult and pediatric hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, preschools through high schools, adult day centers, hospice care, long-term care, memory care, community centers, private homes, rehabilitation, through telehealth, and more.

IMG_20220318_103254169_BURST001_2.jpg
55927.jpg
295493045_445157947622775_5439127949362636202_n.jpg
26.jpg
IMG_20220908_111428434_HDR.jpg
better+ann.jpg

Music therapy is a credentialed profession that requires a college degree and national board-certification.

To become a board-certified music therapist, candidates must:

  • complete a four-year degree or it’s equivalent. (main areas of study: musical foundations, clinical foundations, and music therapy foundations and principles.)

  • complete a 1200-hour supervised music therapy internship

  • pass the national board-certification exams

  • and complete continuing education to maintain the Board-Certified Music Therapist credential (MT-BC)

Some music therapists go on to complete graduate level training, which is available up to the doctorate level.

Music therapists usually play the client's preferred music live using voice and piano or guitar. Our repertoire ranges from 1910s to today's hits, from hymns to hard rock.

Live, preferred music creates a highly engaging experience that can be adapted in the moment to meet the client’s needs. Sometimes we may use recorded music if it suits the goals or the style of music better, or if we need to provide assistance for the client to engage in the activity. We may also select or create other age-appropriate music specific to the client’s goals.

Group music therapy offers many of the same benefits as individual music therapy, with some additional unique opportunities.

In group music therapy, participants have more opportunities for:

  • socialization

  • social skills

  • social cohesion

  • cooperation

  • bonding

  • leadership

  • identity

  • turn taking

Fill out an intake form, purchase a class package, or contact us to talk about what options are available.