Definition
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music, and the relationship that develops through shared musical experiences, to assist or motivate a person towards specific goals. Music therapists use their training as musicians, clinicians, and researchers to help people effect changes in cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills. Music therapists work in educational, medical, psychiatric, wellness, and elder care facilities, as well as in specialized clinics and private practice.
Qualifications
Music Therapists have undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in music therapy from university programs approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The degree includes 1200 hours of clinical training, including a 1040 hour internship. Music therapists must also be board-certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists; they become “MT-BC’s” by taking a national exam, and maintain their status through continuing education.
How can I tell if it’s music therapy?
Music therapy is based in the relationship between the MT-BC and patient or client, and each music therapy intervention has been specifically chosen, created, or improvised for that particular person, based on an assessment. Music therapy intervention changes with the patient or client, so music therapists use live music that can be altered by either person at any time. Music therapists see patients/clients in small groups or individually so that each relationship can be nurtured and each person’s individual needs can be addressed. Most importantly, music therapists are board-certified (and, in some states, licensed): this assures you that a qualified music therapist has comprehensive education and clinical training, adheres to a Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics, and has ongoing continuing education and supervision opportunities.
10 Therapeutic Characteristics of Music
Music captivates and maintains attention — it stimulates & utilizes many parts of the brain. People often can respond to music even when other aspects of cognition are impaired.
Music is success-oriented — people of all ability levels can participate.
Music participation is social — it builds relationships and provides a safe place to explore communication.
Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition, which is especially important in neurorehabilitation and special education.
Live music can ebb and flow, changing moment to moment to reflect the reactions and needs of the people who are listening or participating.
Music is an effective memory aid.
Music supports and encourages movement; in some cases, rhythm facilitates movement via synchrony in neuromotor & auditory pathways in the central nervous system.
Music taps into memories and emotions.
Music, and the silences within it, provide nonverbal, immediate feedback.
Music structures time; it helps us to track certain lengths of time, and can sometimes alter our perception of its passage.
Music Therapy Organizations:
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
AMTA was founded in 1998. Its purpose is the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings. Predecessors to the American Music Therapy Association included the National Association for Music Therapy founded in 1950 and the American Association for Music Therapy founded in 1971. AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, credentials, and research in support of the music therapy profession.
(301) 589-3300
Certification Board for Music Therapists
(800)765-CBMT