Frequently Asked Questions

What is Music Therapy?

According to American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music Therapy is an established health service similar to Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Speech Therapy. Music Therapy consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning for patients of all ages. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-invasive medium, unique outcomes are possible. In addition to its applications with hospital patients or in medical settings, music therapy is used successfully with persons of all ages and disabilities.

What do Music Therapists do?

Music Therapist assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.

Who can be qualified as a Music Therapist?

Persons who complete one of the approved college music therapy curricula (including a 1400-hour internship) are then eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists who successfully complete the independently administered examination hold the music therapist-board certified credential (MT-BC).

The National Music Therapy Registry (NMTR) (based in USA) existed from 1998-2019 to maintain a list of individuals who met accepted educational and clinical training standards and were awarded the designations RMT, CMT, ACMT, prior to the formation of AMTA in 1998. The sunset of the NMTR was December 31, 2019 and these designations are no longer recognized. 

Who can benefit from Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is a versatile form of therapy that can be intertwined and even co-treated with Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy or Physical Therapy or counseling sessions. Individuals of all ages and abilities may benefit from music therapy. A board certified music therapist can work with, but not limited to: expectant mothers, patients in medical facilities, children & adults with medical diagnoses, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or mental health needs.

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Children, adolescents, and adults with: 

• mental health needs

• developmental, learning, speech & physical disabilities

• Alzheimer's disease & other aging related conditions

• substance abuse problems

• brain injuries

• acute and chronic pain

• expecting mother & mothers in labor 

and/or any other populations that are not mentioned may benefit in different ways from Music Therapy. 

How long does each therapy session take?

Most sessions are 1 hour long; usually with 50 minutes of direct contact with clients, followed by updates and quick follow up with family member(s) or guardian.

What does a typical Music Therapy session entails?

Each session is previously planned, designed and individualized for the needs of each client. Music Therapist can use a variety of techniques such as drum circles, lyric analysis, song writing, improvisation, guided imagery, singing, therapeutic performance preparation, adaptive music lessons, and many more interventions and techniques.

What are some common goal areas to target in music therapy?

Some common goals in music therapy include: 

• Communication skills (using vocal/verbal sounds & gestures, speech rehabilitation, and more)

• Social skills (making eye contact, turn-taking, initiating interaction, self-esteem, and more)

• Sensory skills (through touch, listening, levels of awareness in different sensory areas)

• Physical skills (fine and gross motor control and movement, advance physical rehabilitation)

• Cognitive skills (concentration and attention, imitation, sequencing, problem solving and more)

• Emotional skills (expression of feelings non-verbally & creatively)

Do you offer sliding scale rates?

Yes, I do. Please contact me for further details as rates vary.

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