What are the responsibilities of a music therapist?

-assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses

-design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music

-participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain.

What are some misconceptions about music therapy?

-The patient or client must have some particular music ability

The truth: music therapists are trained to provide enriching music experiences due to their extensive music training which can ensure accessibility for all individuals who seek out music therapy services.

-There is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest.

The truth: all styles of music can be useful in affecting change in a client or patient’s life. The individual preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient’s goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

Where can a music therapist work?

-In the community for healthy individuals to reduce stress, provide passive listening for relaxation, and support physical exercise.

-In hospitals to alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication; elevate patients’ mood an counteract depression; promote movement for physical rehabilitation; calm or sedate, often to induce sleep; counteract apprehension or fear; and lessen muscle tension for the purpose of relaxation, including the autonomic nervous system.

-In nursing homes to increase or maintain their level of physical, mental, and social/emotional functioning. Sensory and Intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person’s quality of life.

-In schools to provide music therapy services listed on the Individualized Education Plan for mainstreamed special learners. Music learning is used to strengthen non music areas such as communication skills and physical coordination skills which are important in daily life.

What is the scope of music therapy practice?

Music therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapists develop music therapy treatment plans specific to the needs and strengths of the client who may be seen individually or in groups. Music therapy treatment plans are individualized for each client. The goals, objectives, and potential strategies of the music therapy services are appropriate for the client and setting. Music therapy interventions may include music improvisation, receptive music listening, songwriting, lyric discussion, music and imagery, singing, music performance, learning through music, music combined with other arts, music-assisted relaxation, music-based patient education, electronic music technology, adapted music intervention, and movement to music. Music therapy clinical practice may be in developmental, rehabilitative, habilitative, medical, mental health, preventative, wellness care, or educational areas.