Who can benefit from music therapy?

Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, neurological disorders, cognitive impairments, dementia and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, mothers in labor and to maintain the wellbeing of healthy individuals as well.

Is there research to support music therapy?

AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of music therapy.

What are some misconceptions about music therapy?

That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy — they do not. That there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest — this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient’s life. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient’s goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

How can healthy individuals apply music therapy techniques?

Healthy individuals can use music for stress reduction via active music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation. Music is often a vital support for physical exercise. Music therapy assisted labor and delivery may also be included in this category since pregnancy is regarded as a normal part of women’s life cycles.

What is the most common type of music in music therapy?

Music therapists utilize music as a therapeutic tool; the genre and type of instrument is tailored to the individual and to the goals that are established between the client and the music therapist. Since music choice/usage is tailored to each client’s needs and preferences, there is really no “most common” type of music or instrument.  All styles of music have the potential to be useful in effecting change in a client’s or a patient’s life. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the goals established will help the trained music therapist determine what music to use.