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 (AMTA)

Music Therapy uses clinical music-making to address a person's unique health and wellbeing goals.  Music Therapists get to know the needs of each client, set individual goals, and use music-based experiences, like playing instruments, singing, music listening, songwriting, and more.

Music Therapy is a creative and unique tool to support a person's growth and change.  Since music is processed by a person's whole brain, not just one part, it can impact all areas.  This makes it an effective therapy for people of all ages, and people who may have no prior skill or experience with music.   

What is a Music Therapist?

A Music Therapist holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy from an institution approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and has completed a clinical internship.  Music Therapists are credentialed through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), known as "Music Therapist-Board Certified," and maintain professional status by completing continuing education.

Often, Music Therapists have additional training and credentials.  For example, I also have:

Who can benefit from Music Therapy?

Music therapy is used with a wide range of populations, from all age groups and diverse settings.  Some are:

What are some common goals in Music Therapy? 

Some common areas we may focus on include social and communication skills, movement and motor skills, cognitive skills, symptom management (including pain, anxiety), or developing coping skills. 

Before we get started with Music Therapy services, we'll explore your wishes and needs.