Music Therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association Music therapy is an evidence based, clinical approach of musical interventions with the goal of therapeutic benefits. Music therapists assess well-being, cognitive skills, physical health, social functioning and communication abilities through music responses.  The therapist designs music sessions for individuals and groups based on these needs using improvisation, song writing, performance and receptive listening.

Music Therapy is useful for all ages of individuals; babies, children, adults, elderly.  It is useful for those with health needs, age related disease and learning disabilities.  You can find Music Therapists in hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, correctional facilities, drug rehabilitation programs and more!  Since 1994 it has been covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Music therapy can be used for healthy individuals as well.  You can listen to music and passively receive its stress reduction benefits  or you can play an instrument such as the drums or guitar to de-stress and release tension.  Music is often used during labor to calm the laboring mother and baby during the birthing process.

In the United Kingdom Music Therapy was used in the hospitals post war to help rehab the soldiers.  The music soothed the nerves of the patients while distracting them form their pain.  While in India the Ragas were used in therapeutic settings to help the individual achieve the greatest level of self-realization possible.  The Ragas are based on sonorous melody which are dependent on correct intonation and right use of the basic elements of music; rhythm, volume, beats, and piece of melody.  In western Music Therapy the debate is whether or not music ability is needed for the patient to achieve therapeutic benefits.