"Music therapy, an allied health profession, '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.'"
The use of music to improve mental and physical health, and to aid in therapeutic communication.
Music theory: Understanding the fundamentals of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, and form.
Psychology: Understanding the psychological theories and principles that underpin music therapy such as behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology and psychodynamic principles.
Anatomy and physiology: Having an understanding of the human body, how it works, and the physiological effects of music on the body, such as the impact on the central nervous system.
Neurology: Understanding the neurological principles that underlie music therapy, such as how music can stimulate different areas of the brain to improve functions like motor skills, speech, and memory.
Cultural diversity: Understanding various cultures and their musical traditions, and how this can affect music therapy.
Music performance and improvisation: Developing skills in playing and improvising music, which are essential for facilitating musical experiences that meet the needs of clients.
Music technology: Exploring the rapidly-evolving world of music technology, including the use of various software applications to support music creation and delivery.
Developmental psychology: Understanding the psychological stages of human development, from infancy through to old age, and how music therapy can be adapted for each stage.
Ethics and professionalism: Developing an understanding of the professional responsibilities and ethical standards of music therapy practitioners, and being able to align them with personal values and beliefs.
Research and evaluation: Having an understanding of research methodologies and being able to evaluate evidence-based practices in music therapy.
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy: A type of music therapy that focuses on improvisation and creativity to develop communication skills and emotional expression.
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music: This music therapy approach combines music listening and relaxation with guided imagery to address emotional and cognitive issues.
Neurologic Music Therapy: A music therapy approach that uses music to help individuals with neurological conditions improve speech, movement, and cognition.
Orff-Schulwerk Approach: This music therapy approach is based on the principles of the Orff-Schulwerk method of music education and focuses on creative music-making with instruments and body percussion.
Creative Music Therapy: A type of music therapy that emphasizes improvisation and songwriting as a means of exploring and expressing emotions.
Cognitive-Behavioral Music Therapy: This therapy approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with music to address emotional and behavioral issues.
Developmental Music Therapy: A type of music therapy focused on promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development in children through music-based activities.
Music and Imagery: This music therapy approach uses music and guided imagery to help individuals explore and understand their emotions and life experiences.
Analytical Music Therapy: A type of music therapy that uses music to explore and address unconscious emotional issues.
Receptive Music Therapy: A music therapy approach that involves listening to carefully chosen music for relaxation, emotional expression, or to promote healing.
Music Psychotherapy: This music therapy approach uses music as a tool to explore and address psychological and emotional issues.
Group Music Therapy: A type of music therapy that involves engaging in music-making activities in a group setting, promoting socialization, and emotional expression.
Community Music Therapy: A type of music therapy that focuses on developing and strengthening connections and relationships within a community through music-based activities.
"It is also a vocation, involving a deep commitment to music and the desire to use it as a medium to help others."
"Music therapists use music-based experiences to address client needs in one or more domains of human functioning: cognitive, academic, emotional/psychological; behavioral; communication, social, physiological (sensory, motor, pain, neurological and other physical systems), spiritual, aesthetics."
"Some common music therapy practices include developmental work (communication, motor skills, etc.) with individuals with special needs, songwriting and listening in reminiscence, orientation work with the elderly, processing, and relaxation work, and rhythmic entrainment for physical rehabilitation in stroke survivors."
"Music therapy is used in medical hospitals, cancer centers, schools, alcohol and drug recovery programs, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities."
"Music therapy is distinctive from Musopathy, which relies on a more generic and non-cultural approach based on neural, physical, and other responses to the fundamental aspects of sound."
"Evidence suggests that music therapy is beneficial for all individuals, both physically and mentally. Benefits of music therapy include improved heart rate, reduced anxiety, stimulation of the brain, and improved learning."
"Music therapists use their techniques to help their patients in many areas, ranging from stress relief before and after surgeries."
"One study found that children who listened to music while having an IV inserted into their arms showed less distress and felt less pain than the children who did not listen to music while having an IV inserted."
"Studies on patients diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia have shown a visible improvement in their mental health after music therapy."
"The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have claimed that music therapy is an effective method in helping individuals experiencing mental health issues, and more should be done to offer those in need this type of help."