Music Therapy

Music therapy is the clinical use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals that address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. According to the American Music Therapy Association’s web site (www.musictherapy.org), the idea that music could serve a healing purpose has been around for centuries. Music therapists are trained to assess the strengths and needs of each client and to provide indicated treatment by creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement, in a therapeutic context, an individual’s abilities are strengthened and transferred throughout other areas of life.

Essentially, music therapy can improve the quality of life for persons throughout the lifespan, despite diversity, disability, or illness.

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

   ■ promote wellness

■ manage stress and anxiety

■ alleviate pain

■ express feelings

■ enhance memory and retrieval

■ improve communication

■ decrease frequency and duration of aggressive or agitated behaviors

■ promote physical rehabilitation
■ increase self-awareness

■ motivate change and personal growth

■ reinforce self-identity and self-worth

■ alter mood

■ encourage meaningful social interaction

 ■ empower individuals and decrease feelings of helplessness