FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?

According to the American Music Therapy Association, 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."

Simply put, Music Therapy uses music to address non-musical goals. These often include, but are not limited to:

• physical needs, both gross and fine motor

• emotional needs such as regulation, developing coping skills, and understanding emotions

• cognitive needs such as attention, memory, and executive function

• social needs​ such as communication (both expressive or receptive) and social skills

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Board certified music therapists assess the strengths and needs of each client and establish measurable and specific goals and objectives to address areas of need. The music therapist uses aspects of music such as singing, song writing, moving, or listening to music to help client’s meet their goals and objectives, and to transfer these skills into other areas of their life.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES A MUSIC THERAPIST HAVE?

• Music Therapists are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in music therapy, which includes 1200 hours of clinical training

• Music Therapy Degrees require a well-rounded base of knowledge in psychology, medicine, and music.

• Music Therapists are required to hold the MT-BC (board certification) through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, which ensures competent practice and required continuing education. Some states also require licensure for board-certified music therapists

• Music Therapy is an evidence-based health profession, with a strong research foundation

• Learn more about the qualifications of a music therapist on the AMTA website

IS THERE RESEARCH TO SUPPORT MUSIC THERAPY?

While there are countless anecdotal stories about how powerful music can be, there is also data and science to back up the effectiveness of music therapy. There are two journals that regularly publish research: the Journal of Music Therapy which focuses on current research and theory, and Music Therapy Perspectives, which appeals to readers within and outside of the profession with a focus on music therapy practice, academics, and administration. Click here to learn more about research in music therapy. 

WHAT DO MUSIC THERAPISTS DO?

Music Therapists work with an array of people in different settings and with different needs. Here are just a few things you might see Music Therapists do in sessions:

• Using the natural structure of music to support children who have autism to improve communication/conversation capabilities with call and response songs

• Using music as a tool to recall memories in work with older adults to lessen the effects of dementia

• Working with hospitalized patients to reduce pain through playing preferred music that gives the patient something positive to focus on

• Working with people who have Parkinson’s disease to improve motor function by using the natural rhythm of music to help their body entrain to the beat

• Using songwriting, recording, or lyric analysis while working with an individual in hospice/palliative care to cope and process their feelings around illness/death 

• Working in an inpatient or outpatient mental health setting to develop coping skills, process emotions, and improve relationships using songwriting, lyric analysis, or improvisation on instruments to express feelings without words

• Working with children with developmental disabilities to improve attention and focus by using the structure and components of music (beat, melody, harmony, rhythm, style, etc.)