What Exactly Is Music Therapy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Music is

the clinical use of music to accomplish individualized goals such as reducing stress, improving mood and self-expression

. It is an evidence-based therapy well-established in the health community. Music therapy experiences may include listening, singing, playing instruments, or composing music.

What is music therapy in simple words?

Music Therapy is the clinical & 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.

What does a music therapist do?

Music therapists

assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music

What is music therapy examples?

For example, some music therapy activities include:

Writing and singing songs

. Improvising on songs and music pieces.

How do you do music therapy?

  1. Listen to music that enhances your current emotional state. …
  2. Listen to music that changes your current emotional state. …
  3. Be purposeful with your auditory environment. …
  4. Actively listen to the music. …
  5. Listen outside your comfort zone.

Who is a famous music therapist?


Everett Thayer Gaston

was born in Oklahoma on July 4, 1901. A trained clinical psychologist, he is now known as the “father of music therapy.” He was active in the 1940s-1960s and greatly helped advance the music therapy profession.

What skills do music therapists need?

Necessary Skills

Music therapists should have knowledge of a wide variety of music history and the power of musical elements. They must also be able to play and perform on many different types of musical instruments. Additionally, music therapists must possess

empathy, compassion, imagination, and patience

.

What are the disadvantages of music therapy?

  • Overstimulation – There are a lot of factors in regards to the sound behind music. …
  • Memory Triggering – Music is second only to smell in its ability to incite unwanted memories. …
  • Anxiety – While in some cases music may help ease anxiety disorders, in others it may cause or increase anxiety.

What are the 4 methods of music therapy?

To accomplish specified goals in a music therapy session, music therapists will prepare interventions within one of four broad intervention categories, which include

receptive, re-creation, improvisation, and composition/songwriting

.

What is the salary of a music therapist?

According to PayScale.com the average annual wage for a music therapist in the US is

roughly $40,000

. However, depending on geographic location, education, and experience, pay can vary greatly, and range between $28,000 and $72,000 per year.

What happens in a music therapy session?

Most music therapy sessions consist of

improvisation, musical “games” and occasional use of pre-composed song

. This means that the emphasis is mainly on playing music freely – making up the music as you go along. The person's use of the instruments will naturally reflect their emotional state at that moment.

What type of music is best for music therapy?

Songs by Queen, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley are among the most effective for music therapy patients, a UK study has found. Queen's classic

We Will Rock

You came out on top, with Marley's Three Little Birds and Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall making the top five.

How often should you do music therapy?

Depending on your goals, a typical music therapy session lasts between 30 and 50 minutes. 24 Much like you would plan sessions with a psychotherapist, you may choose to have a set schedule for music therapy—say,

once a week

—or you may choose to work with a music therapist on a more casual “as-needed” basis.

How much does a music therapy session cost?

According to their 2018 Member Survey & Workforce Analysis, average hourly rates for individual music therapy sessions were

between $50-90

. Average hourly rates for group music therapy sessions were between $60-90, and average rates for a music therapy assessment were between $65-110.

Can you do music therapy at home?

Whether your taste runs to Bach, the Beatles or Beyoncé, you can use music therapy techniques at home to

boost immunity

, reduce stress, ease certain symptoms, or just feel and function better overall. “You don't need to read music, play an instrument or even sing on key to benefit from music therapy.

How can I practice music therapy at home?

  1. A playlist of songs that make you want to dance, move, or exercise.
  2. A playlist of uplifting songs that generally makes you happy and smile.
  3. A playlist of songs that generally make you tearful and/or emotional.
  4. A playlist of songs that generally make you relax or feel sleepy.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.