top of page
young-student-at-drum-class_BAR.jpg

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals in psychotherapy by a credentialed professional

Music therapists can design treatment plans to:

 

  • Promote Wellness 

  • Manage Stress 

  • Alleviate Pain 

  • Express Feelings 

  • Enhance Memory

  • Improve Communication

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including relaxation exercises, improvising, playing instruments/drumming, analyzing lyrics, songwriting, singing, moving to, or listening to music. Through musical involvement, clients' abilities are strengthened.  The music therapist helps the client apply these strengthened abilities to other areas of their lives.  Music therapy also provides opportunities for healthy communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. (American Music Therapy Association)  No musical experience or talent needed!

Why
Music Therapy?

Why Music Therapy?

Music is a universal language that understands us when sometimes it seems no one else can.  It makes difficult feelings more tolerable.  This may especially be true for adolescents, where much of their identity is dependent on the music that they choose.  Music forms and reinforces deeper neurological connections throughout the brain.  Other approaches of therapy may not be able to achieve the same lasting effects.  Interactive music experiences also promote  focus on emotions and behaviors in the present moment, rather than focused on the past and future.

Music therapy can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort -- between demoralization and dignity."

 

--Barbara Crowe, Past president of the National    

   Association for Music Therapy

bottom of page