What Is Music Therapy?

As human beings with unique experiences and complex emotions, music often speaks to us on a deeper level. The addition of complementary music therapies for specific individual treatment has become a popular topic in recent years, as well as shown promise for aiding in mental health treatment. 

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy involves the evidence-based use of musical interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. 

In this article, we'll cover the potential benefits of music therapy and its distinct methodologies. 

What is music therapy?

Interventions typically involve using music to achieve specific therapeutic goals. This can include activities such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments to supplement the treatment strategy the therapist is working toward. For example, a music therapist might encourage their client to listen to calming music or encourage them to sing to inspire self-expression.  

Music therapy for relaxation, physical well-being, and emotional healing

Music therapy promotes relaxation and can be helpful for calming and healing. Music can help one manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Music therapists work in a vast range of settings, including:

• correctional facilities

• drug and alcohol programs

• nursing homes

• hospice programs

• senior centers

• psychiatric hospitals

• educational settings

What does a music therapist do?

A music therapist uses this work to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of others. Music therapy is typically used as a supplemental method in a treatment plan designed by a mental health professional. During sessions, the therapist and patient may work together to engage in music improvisation, songwriting, music performance, discussion about lyrics, and to create music. 

How to become a music therapist

A music therapist typically has a musical background and an interest in applying their knowledge in clinical settings to help patients meet their treatment goals. 

Get a bachelor’s degree in a music therapy program

Music therapy should be provided by a qualified music therapist. To become a music therapist, an individual should complete a bachelor’s degree from an American Music Therapy Association program at a university, which often involves a period of clinical training. 

Complete a certification exam

After graduating, they will need to sit for a certification exam from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. 

The Certification Board for Music Therapists establishes a national standard for this profession. The Music Therapist Board Certificated credential (MT-BC) is valid for five years. 100 hours of continuing education are required every five years for a board-certified music therapist to maintain their MT-BC. 

The Certification Board for Music Therapists also oversees therapists certified with them to ensure they are following the professional expectations that are outlined for them.

In some states, you need an additional license to practice

In some states, a music therapist must also obtain a state license in order to practice as a healthcare professional. 

The American Music Therapy Association is the main organization overseeing music therapists. It currently consists of over 3,500 constituents. It offers a number of continuing education opportunities that count toward the MT-BC requirements of board-certified music therapists.

Music therapy can be a treatment for mental and emotional symptoms

Music therapy may be an effective way to improve one's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive health. 

The most healing music therapy for you will depend on you

In one study, researchers looked at the impact that music therapy had on college students from various schools and backgrounds. Researchers discovered that when college students were aware of the benefits of music as therapy, it promoted mental well-being, improved the development of a healthy personality, and reduced stress and depression. This study demonstrates its therapeutic potential when applied strategically to a person's treatment plan. 

While music was found to have a beneficial effect, it was unclear to researchers the "best" form for any single person. This is why in most cases, music therapy interventions are designed to suit the specific needs and abilities of individuals, such as those with developmental delays, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more.

Music therapy is beneficial because it:

Reduces stress and increases the sense

Studies have shown that listening to calming music may help reduce cortisol levels, which are directly linked to our natural stress response. Additionally, actively participating in music-making or singing may help increase relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms. This demonstrates that it may be effective in supporting the social functioning of individuals with anxiety-related disorders.

Enhances mental function

Music therapy has been shown to potentially enhance memory, attention, and concentration in people of different ages. This could be especially useful for older adults who may be at risk of cognitive decline, as well as children with developmental disorders or who have experienced trauma and may benefit from improving their cognitive skills. 

Studies have also shown that listening to music can improve learning and memory and may even enhance cognitive processes in those who experience Alzheimer's disease. Music can also improve executive functioning, memory, and communication abilities in people who have experienced brain injuries. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Serves as a treatment for physical conditions

For those living with chronic pain or other medical conditions, music therapy may help reduce pain and discomfort by promoting relaxation and providing a distraction from the pain. Studies have shown that music therapy may also help lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can positively impact overall cardiovascular health. 

Improves emotional well-being

Lastly, this treatment can improve social skills and emotional expression by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore and express emotions that may be difficult to communicate naturally. Music therapists aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages people to freely express themselves through music. For instance, a study conducted on a group of parents with postpartum depression found that music therapy interventions facilitated emotional expression and improved overall quality of life.

Different methods of music therapy 

During a session, music therapists may utilize a wide range of interventions, including listening to music, singing, playing musical instruments, and songwriting to help people improve their physical and emotional health. There are several different types, each of which has its own unique benefits:

Receptive music therapy

In receptive music therapy, a person listens to music and focuses less on interpreting or thinking and is simply receptive to the music they are listening to. In these sessions, the music may be chosen specifically to meet the individual's needs. The music therapist, alongside their client, selects music that is calming or energizing, depending on the client's needs and the goals of their treatment plan. 

Active music therapy

Active music therapy involves actively developing musical skills and participating in musical activities, such as playing musical instruments or singing. Active music therapy services may improve motor and communication skills and increase socialization. Researchers have found that active music therapy is effective in improving communication and social interaction skills in children with autism, as well as reducing anxiety and depression in adults with dementia.

Group music therapy

Group music therapy aims to create a supportive environment where participants can improve their social skills, emotional expression, and communication skills through music-based group interactions. Sessions happen in various settings with different types of people, such as children with autism, adults with dementia, or people experiencing mental health challenges.  

Music therapy can help

Depending on your unique treatment needs, a licensed counselor may choose to use supplemental music therapy to help you participate in sessions and be more comfortable working through difficult emotions. 

What is online music therapy best for?

Many people who experience mental health challenges may struggle to participate fully in traditional in-person therapy. Online therapy may enable these individuals to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, which may make it easier to participate and be open to the therapeutic process. 

Working with an online music therapist

One study explored its use online since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, researchers found that music therapy may be an effective addition to traditional online therapy methods. Additionally, they highlighted the fact that it may come in a variety of different forms, enabling creativity and personalized treatment strategies to be developed by providers.