About Music
Therapy
Therapy
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music to improve the psychological, physical, cognitive or social
functioning of individuals with health or educational problems. Put simply, it is the use of music to achieve
non-musical goals.
How Long Has Music Therapy Existed?
The idea that music could affect health and behavior goes at least as far back as Plato and Aristotle. The
20th century discipline began after World War I, when musicians went to hospitals around the world to
play for veterans suffering physical and emotional trauma from their experiences. Their success led to the
hiring of musicians by the hospitals, but more training was needed. The first music therapy degree
program was founded at Michigan State University in 1944. The American Music Therapy Association
was founded in 1998 as a union of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American
Association for Music Therapy.
What does a Music Therapist do?
Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
Virtually anyone. Music Therapy can assist people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, with
mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s and other age-related conditions,
substance abuse issues, brain injuries, physical disabilities and acute/chronic pain. It can also be used
during labor and delivery, for stress management and to aid in the grieving process.
What is Neurological Music Therapy?
Neurological Music Therapy is the use of music to treat cognitive, sensory and motor dysfunctions due to
neurological damage or disease of the human nervous system. N.M.T. is based on a neuroscience model
of music perception and production, and deals with the influence of music on non-musical brain and
behavior functions. Treatment techniques are research-based and directed towards functional therapeutic
goals, using music experiences that are adaptable to the patient’s needs.
In addition to general Music Therapy training, the Neurological Music Therapist has training in the areas of
neuroanatomy/physiology, brain malfunctions, medical terminology and rehabilitation of cognitive and/or
motor functions. After careful assessment and the development of an individualized treatment plan, the
therapist begins at the client's given level of receptivity, then gradually modifies the treatment to meet
specific goals. The Music Therapist works closely with clients and others involved in treatment to develop
comprehensive and realistic objectives. These objectives are continually monitored and modified when
necessary.
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music to improve the psychological, physical, cognitive or social
functioning of individuals with health or educational problems. Put simply, it is the use of music to achieve
non-musical goals.
How Long Has Music Therapy Existed?
The idea that music could affect health and behavior goes at least as far back as Plato and Aristotle. The
20th century discipline began after World War I, when musicians went to hospitals around the world to
play for veterans suffering physical and emotional trauma from their experiences. Their success led to the
hiring of musicians by the hospitals, but more training was needed. The first music therapy degree
program was founded at Michigan State University in 1944. The American Music Therapy Association
was founded in 1998 as a union of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American
Association for Music Therapy.
What does a Music Therapist do?
- Assesses emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities and
cognitive skills through musical responses - Designs 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 - Participates in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation and follow-up
Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
Virtually anyone. Music Therapy can assist people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, with
mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s and other age-related conditions,
substance abuse issues, brain injuries, physical disabilities and acute/chronic pain. It can also be used
during labor and delivery, for stress management and to aid in the grieving process.
What is Neurological Music Therapy?
Neurological Music Therapy is the use of music to treat cognitive, sensory and motor dysfunctions due to
neurological damage or disease of the human nervous system. N.M.T. is based on a neuroscience model
of music perception and production, and deals with the influence of music on non-musical brain and
behavior functions. Treatment techniques are research-based and directed towards functional therapeutic
goals, using music experiences that are adaptable to the patient’s needs.
In addition to general Music Therapy training, the Neurological Music Therapist has training in the areas of
neuroanatomy/physiology, brain malfunctions, medical terminology and rehabilitation of cognitive and/or
motor functions. After careful assessment and the development of an individualized treatment plan, the
therapist begins at the client's given level of receptivity, then gradually modifies the treatment to meet
specific goals. The Music Therapist works closely with clients and others involved in treatment to develop
comprehensive and realistic objectives. These objectives are continually monitored and modified when
necessary.