“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfello

What is Music Therapy?

Many people have heard of different traditional talk therapies to help people sort out their problems whether they are emotional, cognitive, or social issues. One form of therapy that is well known, but not quite understood, is Music Therapy. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as 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.” Like other forms of therapy, it addresses the same issues previously listed before. During a Music Therapy session, the therapist will assess the strengths and needs of their client and deem what they see best fits their client’s treatment plan. The treatment can include creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. The AMTA says, “Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.” ¹^s

The methods used during a Music Therapy session can be divided into active and receptive techniques. If a client is singing, chanting, playing musical instruments, composing, or improvising music, they are using active techniques. Listening to and responding to music, is an example of a receptive technique. The therapy can be with an individual or a group, and either the client or therapist can choose the music used. An important benefit from Music Therapy is that it can help clients express themselves who have trouble doing so on a regular basis. Some people really struggle with expressing their emotions, however, music can help them channel the right words or think more clearly to articulate these internalized feelings. Along with that, music therapy can also provide emotional support for clients and their families.

1) American Music Therapy Association. Definition and Quotes about Music Therapy | Definition and Quotes about Music Therapy | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). https://www.musictherapy.org/about/quotes/. 