Music therapy is the skilled use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotive qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development. (CAMT, 1994)
Music therapy treatment addresses client need related to one or more of the following:
Personal growth, exploration and discovery.
Functional music skill, including adapted music instruction or referral to regular music instruction, as required.
Music/cultural leisure skills and aesthetic development.
The effect of music and related expressive arts to minimize adverse effects of aging, disability, trauma, illness and institutionalization by providing:
sensory stimulation;
opportunities for socialization and interaction;
a means of self-expression through nonverbal communication;
appropriate music for pain relief;
skills for relaxation and stress management;
opportunities for increased self-awareness and enhanced self-esteem through creative, aesthetic expression.
Anyone, young or old, who enjoys and responds to music may benefit from music therapy. Formal music training is not a prerequisite for involvement. Music therapy may be used to:
The content of the music therapy session is determined by treatment goals, music
preferences, functional abilities and space limitations, and may include:
Singing - e.g., for emotional release, socialization, breath control,
language
development, self-expression (song choice, song writing), memories
(life review).
Movement to music - e.g., as stimulus to maintain or increase range
of movement
and walking.
Music listening (live and recorded music) - e.g., for appreciation or enjoyment;
relaxation, sensory stimulation; to facilitate social interaction,
verbalization, to evoke images, memories or modify mood.
Guided imagery and music - e.g., to learn relaxation techniques for
stress or pain management; for self-exploration and personal growth.
Music learning - e.g., to exercise cognitive, tactile, sensory and motor skills.
Playing musical instruments (structured or free-form ensemble) - e.g.,
to maintain or increase fine and gross motor control, as nonverbal
communication and emotional release.
Participation in music and related cultural events - e.g., for appreciation and aesthetic development;
community reintegration.
Related expressive art modalities (e.g., art, writing, movement) and
relaxation techniques (e.g., autogenic training, progressive muscle
relaxation, energy work) may also be explored.
