What Is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional (expressions of anger and fear; minimize sense of isolation, rejection and other distress); physical (as an adjunct to pharmacological pain and symptom management), and spiritual health and well-being.

Music Therapy is an established health profession similar to occupational or physical therapy. Members of the child's treatment team may prescribe music therapy, including doctors, social workers, teachers, psychologists or case-workers. Since Music therapy may be listed on the child's IEP (Individual Education Plan) as a " related service" the music therapist must be able to assess the needs of the child and family.

Music used in the appropriate way can be healing. Music Therapy can help a child manage pain and stressful situations.

1. Healing effects of music include: generating endorphins, which promote pleasure and boost the immune system; helping to reduce tension and manage stress; assisting in assuming responsibility for own healing process and helping cope with the dying process.

2. Music is the primary therapeutic tool. Using music to establish a trusting relationship, the music therapist then works to improve the client's physical and mental functioning through carefully structured activities. Examples can include singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, and music and imagery exercises.

3. Music is administered by a trained music therapist. A music therapist's education and training is extensive. Musical interventions are developed and used by the therapist based on his/her knowledge of the music's affect on behavior, the client's strengths and weaknesses, and the therapeutic goals.

4. Music therapy is received by a client and it targets a wide range of clinical populations and client ages.

5. Music therapy works towards specific therapeutic goals and objectives. Goal area include communicative, academic, motor, emotional, and social skills. It is important to be aware that while clients may develop their musical skills during treatment, these skills are not the primary concern of the therapist. Rather it is the affect such musical development might have on the client's physical, psychological and socio-economical functioning.

Sources
Music Therapy Study Guide by Michael G. McGuire, M.M., MT-BC, Eastern Michigan University
A Tapestry of Many Voices - 1996 Joint Conference of Music Therapists, Nashville, TN
The Mozart Effect by Don Campbell
-NCI Fact Sheet: Q and A About Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment
-Seasons Hospice Music Therapy Page
-Onconurse.com
-American Music Therapy Association Homepage
-Music Therapy Information Links