What is Music Therapy?

"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 definition, 2005)

Music therapy is a creative arts therapy that uses music as motivation for progress. Through participation in client-centered, goal-oriented music experiences, clients work with the therapist to address needs such as:

• Behavior Management
• Fine and Gross Motor Control
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
• Emotional Expression
• Cognitive Processing
• Social Interaction
• ....and the list goes on! 

Music is such a unique and functional tool for therapy because it provides enough structure for clients to feel secure, and enough room for creativity that clients can feel free to express themselves. And because each music experience is designed with the client's goals in mind, participation in music leads to progress toward those goals. "Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child's potential for development" (Dr. Clive Robbins). 

 

Creativity, Independence, Growth, Through Music Therapy