Music Therapy

Music Therapy, The Art and Science of Healing With Music

Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music for wellness addressing the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills in children and adults. Music therapy differs from other music activities in that a certified music therapist selects practices that will influence functioning in a desired way to meet treatment goals.

The human ability and need to respond to music seems to be innate and does not depend on musical ability or training. Music has a unique power among the therapeutic outlets to engage and sustain the attention of individuals. In the hands of a trained music therapist, clients can accomplish a variety of therapeutic goals and objectives.

Music therapists draw from an extensive array of music exercises, strategies, and interventions, including the following:

• Envisioning Imagery
• Feeling Vibrotactile Sensations
• Lyric Analysis
• Listening to Live or Recorded Music
• Moving to Music
• Playing Accessible Instruments
• Singing and Chanting
• Toning, Vocalizing and Holding Vowels
• Writing Lyrics for Original Pieces of Music

Research proves that music therapy can:

• Alleviate Pain
• Enhance Memory
• Express Feelings
• Improve Communication
• Manage Stress
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation
• Promote Wellness

Music therapists complete a baccalaureate and/or graduate program in music therapy, which includes courses in music, psychology, biology, and behavioral sciences. Music therapists then complete a six-month clinical internship followed by a national board certification exam. After completing these steps a music therapist is then MT-BC, Music Therapist-Board Certified.