About Music Therapy

Definition: Music therapy is the intentional creation and processing of musical experiences by trained therapists to initiate therapeutic relationships with clients, respond to clients’ conditions, symptoms and needs, and meet prescribed clinical goals.

History: The year 2000 marked the 50th anniversary of music therapy as an organized, self-regulating profession in the United States. From its beginnings a half-century ago, music therapy has become recognized as a uniquely effective intervention with a broad spectrum of presenting conditions and with individuals and groups ranging in age from infancy to the geriatric. Practitioners obtain board certification and can pursue university training through the doctoral level.

How music therapy works: The unique effects of music and its value in therapy are widely acknowledged. Neurobiologists observe that musical activity is processed by different parts of the brain than are verbal and visual cues. Psychologists coined the term “musical intelligence” to define and describe the singular abilities and potentials that musical activity elicits and nurtures. Music therapists engage the innately creative musical intelligence that exists in every individual -- including those with physical, mental and emotional deficits -- to foster growth and development in their clients. The possibilities inherent in music for spontaneous creativity, self-expression, and social interaction can lead to enriching experiences in therapy and positive developments outside the therapy studio. Music therapy can often achieve results where verbal and cognitive therapies are not applicable or have little effect. Music therapy can also complement other therapies, increasing the overall effectiveness of treatment, because it taps resources in the client that other therapies are unlikely to engage.

Music therapy methods: The methods music therapists employ vary according to the condition or situations being addressed, the particular strengths and deficits of the client and the training and expertise of the therapist. Theoretical approaches may derive from behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic or transpersonal theory. Music employed may be pre-recorded (tapes and CDs); pre-composed – songs and set pieces sung and played in the sessions may be composed by the therapist or others; or spontaneously improvised. For a discussion of the particular approach employed at Creative Music Therapy Studio, see Introducing Creative Music Therapy Studio.

Populations served: As the efficacy of music therapy has become more widely known and the availability of certified practitioners has increased, music therapy has been applied with a growing number of populations, with clinically significant results. The conditions and situations for which music therapy is utilized include: autism and related syndromes; Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Down’s Syndrome and other forms of developmental delay; cerebral palsy and other conditions that produce major physical handicaps; delays and disorders in speech, language and learning; chronic and acute mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder); personal growth and quality of life issues; Alzheimer’s disease and related gerontological conditions; acute and chronic illness and other medical issues in children and adults; and palliative care, hospice and bereavement.