What Is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is a discipline in which credentialed professionals (MTA*) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music Therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.
*Music Therapist Accredited
(Canadian Association of Music Therapists, June 2016)
Clinical Settings for Music Therapy
Music Therapy can take place in a variety of locations including: hospitals, day programs, community programs, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, recovery and addiction centres, group homes, schools, hospices, and within an individuals home.
Music Therapy Interventions
Music Therapy can be provided through individual or group sessions. The Music Therapist may use a variety of inventions including: singing, drumming, songwriting, lyric analysis, recording, performance, music games, relaxation, movement, improvisation, reminiscence, and instrument learning/playing.
Individuals and Groups Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy
There are a range of individuals and groups who can benefit from music therapy, including, but not limited to: Acquired Brain Injury, Acute and Chronic Pain, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Emotional and Behaviour Disorders, Emotional Trauma, Forensics, Geriatric Care, Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health, Neurological Disorders, Oncology, Palliative/Hospice Care, Parkinson’s Disease, Physical Disabilities, Social and Learning Challenges, Speech and Language Impairments, Stroke, Substance and Addictions Recovery, Survivors of Trauma, and Youth at Risk.
Goals
Goal domains in Music Therapy are unique for each individual and may include physical, social, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, communicative and musical goals.
Learn More
Canadian Association of Music Therapists
Atlantic Association for Music Therapy