WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
Music Therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTA) use music intentionally within a therapeutic relationship to support development, health and well being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social and spiritual domains (Canadian Association of Music Therapy, 2020).
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Music Therapy sessions can occur either individually or in a group setting; the sessions are comprised of various music experiences called interventions. Interventions are intentionally designed musical activities that address the needs and goals of the client. The Music Therapist assess the client and addresses needs and goals that are determined collaboratively with the client, the client’s family and other members of the client’s team.
Some examples of goals include:
Increasing impulse control
Enhance learning skills
Decreasing anxiety
Increasing self esteem
Improving expressive and reception communication
Pain Management
Increasing social skills
Reducing isolation
Behavior management
Expressing and understanding emotions
Accessing long and short term memory
Supporting grief and bereavement
Transitioning at end of life
- Music Therapy Association of British Columbia
WHO BENEFITS FROM MUSIC THERAPY?
Anyone can benefit from Music Therapy and musical skill is not a pre-requisite. Music Therapists can be found carefully using music to stimulate premature infants in the neo-natal intensive care unit or using music to elicit long term memories from an individual who has dementia. Music therapists have supported children with academic skills, social skills and emotional regulation, as well as supporting adults who have an addiction. No matter the age or ability, Music Therapy may be a support to one’s emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health. The Music Therapy Association of British Columbia has an extensive detailed list that outlines the benefits in various ages and abilities.