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.