Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-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. (American Music Therapy Association, 2023). In other words, music therapists use music to meet non-musical goals. Many people can benefit from music therapy, and you don’t need to be a musician to participate. There is a wide base of research to support work in the field.

A typical music therapy session might include singing, music listening, playing instruments, improvisation, relaxation using music, songwriting, or moving to music.

Can simply listening to recorded music provide the same benefits as music therapy? While recorded music can be effectively used by a trained music therapist to work toward goals, listening to recorded music without a therapist present can’t take the place of a music therapy session. Music therapists are trained to continuously assess their clients and adjust the music and interventions as needed in real-time. Goals and interventions are very individualized by the therapist.

Wondering how a music therapist might benefit you or your organization?