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. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)
Music Therapy is the specialized use of music in the service of individuals with needs in the areas of mental health, physical health, habilitation, rehabilitation, special education, self-care or personal growth. Services are rendered to individuals of every chronological age, mental age, and adaptive level of functioning in a variety of settings. In each instance, the purpose is to help individuals attain and maintain their maximum levels of functioning.
Music therapy and music education are both enjoyable experiences. However, music therapy is an allied health service with both musical and nonmusical goals whereas music education is only for the purpose of developing musical skills. Music therapy is a multi-sensory approach, allowing client participation to be focused on using strengths to progress toward goals in one’s treatment plan.
♪ Music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels. This "multi-modal approach" facilitates many developmental skills.
♪ Quality learning and maximum participation occur when children are permitted to experience the joy of play. The medium of music allows this play to occur naturally and frequently.
♪ Music is highly motivating, yet it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. Enjoyable music activities are designed to be success-oriented and make children feel better about themselves.
♪ Music can encourage socialization, self-expression, communication, and motor development.
♪ Because the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.
♪ Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses
♪ Design therapeutic music experiences for individuals and groups based on client needs using a variety of techniques
♪ Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, & follow-up
Since music therapists serve a wide variety of persons with many different types of needs there is no such thing as an overall typical session. Sessions are designed and music selected based on the individual client's treatment plan and preferences. Therapeutic music experiences can work on many goals in different ways, including improvising for motor movement or expression, music assisted relaxation, and singing techniques for speech development.
Music therapy is an excellent way to foster a healthy relationship between siblings and other family members. Participation of others in the session is encouraged; however, the therapuetic aims of the client will always remain the priority.