What is music therapy?
“Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.”
Canadian Association of Music Therapists / September 2020
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Music therapy offers valuable support to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. It is widely used in clinical, educational, community, and private practice settings. From infants in neonatal care to older adults and those in specialized care, music therapy is tailored to meet diverse needs.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that music therapy can address:
Mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)
Developmental and learning/intellectual disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, speech and language impairments)
Trauma (e.g., physical, emotional, or sexual abuse)
Substance abuse and addiction recovery
Cognitive impairments (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia, aphasia, dysphasia, Parkinson’s disease)
Physical rehabilitation (e.g., stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions)
Chronic pain management (e.g., cancer treatment, and other chronic pains)
Palliative and end-of-life care
Sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or visual impairments)
Critical care and chronic illness (e.g., AIDS)
Behavioral challenges (e.g., at-risk teens, behavioral disorders)
Emotional regulation and stress management
Personal development and creativity
… and more !
What can we address in music therapy ?
Music therapy is a versatile approach that addresses emotional, cognitive, physical, and social needs, tailored to individual goals and contexts. Through various musical techniques, music therapy can help achieve therapeutic goals.
Here are some therapeutic goals we can address :
Emotional Expression & Regulation: Helps clients process emotions and manage stress, anxiety, or depression through music.
Social Skills: Improve verbal and non-verbal communication, and social interaction through singing, songwriting and collaborative music-making.
Cognitive Function: Supports memory, focus, and concentration with music-based activities.
Physical & Motor Skills: Enhances coordination and dexterity through instrument playing and movement.
Self-Esteem & Confidence: Boosts confidence and self-expression through creative music experiences.
Pain Management & Rehabilitation: Provides pain relief and motivates physical recovery through music.
Behavioral & Emotional Regulation: Addresses behavioral challenges and emotional regulation.
Developmental Support: Assists children in reaching developmental milestones with age-appropriate musical activities.
Sensory Needs: Supports individuals with sensory processing issues by using music to engage and regulate sensory experiences.
… and more !
What is the music therapy process ?
Music therapists assess clients' emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. They design and implement sessions tailored to individual and group needs using music-based interventions, including improvisation with instrument and/or singing, receptive listening, songwriting, lyric discussion, music and imagery, movement to music, verbal processing and more. A music therapy session can vary widely between clients and even from session to session, with activities and interventions customized to the client’s goals and needs.
Here’s a general overview of the music therapy process:
The music therapy process is personalized to meet your unique wellness goals. It begins with a referral or intake form, followed by an assessment period, typically lasting 2–4 sessions. During this time, a certified music therapist will get to know you, your goals, and your abilities. Based on this assessment, the therapist will create a tailored treatment plan—whether for an individual, dyad, or group—outlining specific goals and objectives for the therapy period.
Throughout the treatment, the therapist will use various music-based interventions to address these goals. At the end of the treatment period, a reassessment will take place, and the therapist will provide a recommendation to either continue therapy or conclude the sessions.
About music therapists
Music Therapy Scope of Practice
Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music within therapeutic relationships to address cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs. Their services include client assessments, treatment planning, therapy implementation, and progress evaluation. MTAs work in diverse settings such as healthcare, education, and private practice, either independently or in interprofessional teams. Their practice is guided by evidence-based methods integrating research, client needs, and clinician expertise.
Education and Training
MTAs complete a Bachelor’s or Graduate Certificate in music therapy and a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship. This training involves academic coursework in music therapy, music, and psychology, along with practical fieldwork. After their internship, candidates must pass the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam and adhere to the CAMT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to earn MTA Certification. Continuing education is required every five years to maintain certification.
Clinical Process
The clinical process begins with referrals and assessments, including reviewing records, client interviews, and observing responses to music therapy. Goals are established based on these assessments and input from clients and professionals. The music therapist implements and evaluates treatment plans, making adjustments as necessary. Therapy ends when goals are achieved, or the client no longer benefits from the services. Documentation and communication with clients and interdisciplinary teams are integral to the therapy process.
Learn more about music therapy here
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSIC THERAPY
The Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) is a federally incorporated, self-regulated non-profit professional association dedicated to fostering the practice of music therapy in clinical, educational, and community settings throughout Canada.
AQM
The association québécoise de musicothérapie (AQM, Quebec Association for Music Therapy) is a provincial association, partnered with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT).
AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION
The American Music Therapy Association® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world. You can help support this mission.