Music Therapy is an evidence-based practice that focuses on the implementation of music-centered interventions by a board-certified therapist to meet a variety of musical and nonmusical goals. With the relationship between therapist, client, and music serving as the foundation for therapy, a music therapist assesses the client’s strengths and needs and works towards achieving goals that can be generalized towards any area of an individual’s life.

Clients and students need not be “musical” to participate in and benefit from Music Therapy. It can deepen and strengthen the pre-existing relationship with music that many of us possess in our everyday lives. Listening, writing, playing, dancing, creating, improvising, and singing are just a few ways in which clients and students can engage in their sessions or lessons.

Music Therapy is an intensive and multi-step process that involves referral, evaluation or assessment, treatment planning, and documentation. Music Therapists often work as a part of a client’s care team and may even be involved in co-treatment sessions with other allied professionals when necessary for the client’s success. While Music Therapists target specific goals when working with individuals, they are trained in addressing needs in multiple domains, including motor skills, cognitive functioning, speech and language tasks, social and emotional health, and musical skills.

For more information on Music Therapy, visit the American Music Therapy Association.