FAQ About Music Therapy

Music therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that draws on the power of musical sounds to help overcome personal challenges and health issues. A therapist establishes a relationship with a client and designs an appropriate therapeutic plan that involves playing, listening to and creating music.

Q: What is music therapy?

A: It is a therapeutic process in which a therapist uses music as a tool to help clients address and improve health issues.

Q: Why do people seek out music therapy?

A: High stress levels, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, medical problems, developmental disabilities and psychiatric problems may be reasons to begin music therapy.

Q: What happens in a music therapy session?

A: Clients listen to music, create music, improvise or recreate sounds they hear. The music therapist customizes session to the needs of the client.

Q: In what settings is music therapy offered?

A: Many hospitals, schools, community organizations, psychiatric hospitals, prisons and private practices offer music therapy.

Q: How does music therapy help people?

A: Musical improvisation opens the door to greater freedom of expression. Recreating music is useful for relating to other people's feelings. People with physical disabilities benefit from learning how to play instruments.

Q: What does a music therapist do?

A: A music therapist speaks to patients, assesses their needs and creates a therapy plan incorporating the use of music.

Q: Does a person have to be a musician to undergo music therapy?

A: No. Music therapy is based on the premise that all people can enjoy and benefit from music.

Q: Must a music therapist be a musician?

A: Yes, music therapists must have an appreciation for music and an ability to play instruments for guidance of the musical experience for the client.