What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidenced-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. Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. It consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and/or social functioning. Research in music therapy supports the effectiveness of interventions in many areas such as facilitating movement and overall physical rehabilitation, increasing motivation to engage in treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and creating an outlet for expression of feelings. (AMTA, 2006)

Because music therapy is a powerful

and non-threatening medium,

unique outcomes are possible.

Why Music Therapy?

Music is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of ability/disability. The malleability of music makes it a medium that can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual.
Music is motivating and enjoyable.
Music provides a non-verbal outlet for emotional expression.
Music therapy may address several needs simultaneously in a positive and dynamic medium.
Music provides structure for predictable responses
Music therapy provides a sense of control over life through successful experiences.

Where and with whom do Music Therapists work?

* Hospices with the terminally ill of all ages .

* Skilled Nursing Facilities with geriatric, rehabilitation, and Alzheimer's Disease patients.

* Private Clinics with a variety of populations.

* Psychiatric Facilities with patients with mental disorders.

* Hospital with a variety of medical patients, from pre-mature infants to the elderly.

* Schools with special needs children and in a regular class.

*Community Centers with older adults and special needs persons.

What are some misconceptions about music therapy?

That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy -- they do not. That there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest -- this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient's life. The individual's 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.

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists provide a variety of services depending on the client and his/her needs. Most often the first step is Assessment, which includes different areas, including cognitive, social, medical, sensorimotor, emotional, speech/language communication, and other areas specific to the client. Second, the therapist establishes functional, time-specific Goals & Objectives. These may become part of a larger treatment plan for the client. Third, the therapist designs therapeutic music experiences (TME) to address the functional goals of the client. Fourth, the therapist Evaluates and Documents- Documentation provides evidence of the progress of the client. Finally, the therapist Discharges a client when he meets his goals and objectives and when music therapy services are no longer necessary or appropriate.

What is Neurologic Music Therapy?

Neurologic Music Therapy is a research-based system of standardized clinical techniques for sensorimotor training, speech and language training and cognitive training. It is used in neurologic rehabilitation, neuropediatric therapy, neurogeriatric therapy, and neurodevelopment therapy. It focuses on rehabilitative, developmental, and adaptive goals.

Basic Definitions

Neurologic music therapy is defined as the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system
Neurologic music therapy is based on a neuroscience model of music perception and production and the influence of music on functional changes in nonmusical brain and behavior functions (R-SMM).
Treatment techniques in neurologic music therapy are based on scientific research and are directed toward functional therapeutic goals (TDM).
Treatment techniques are standardized and applied to therapy as Therapeutic Music Experiences (TME), which are adaptable to the patient’s needs
In addition to music therapy training, neurologic music therapists are education in the areas of microanatomy/physiology, brain pathologies, medical terminology, and rehabilitation of cognitive and motor functions.