Music therapy

What is music therapy?

Music Therapy is the creative and spontaneous use of music in the development of a therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. A variety of musical instruments and sounds are available, and clients are encouraged to make use of these and/or their voice during the therapy sessions. The client can express themselves through sound, silence, gesture and words. The role of the therapist is to listen, support, motivate, contain and respond musically or verbally to the client. The interactive music-making process is used in this way in order to promote communication and facilitate emotional expression, creativity and personal growth.

Each therapy session develops according to the individual’s needs and the therapist’s approach. The client’s response determines the direction of the therapy. The aims of the therapy are not musical or educational but therapeutic. The music is not an end in itself, but a mean to an end.

Further benefits may include:

• Development of intentional communication and interaction
• Development of receptive and expressive language skills
• Reduced anxiety and increased relaxation
• Provision of an alternative outlet for emotion and enhancement of self-expression
• Increased sensory development, awareness and experiences
• An increased awareness of self and or others
• Increase in fine and gross motor skills

Who might benefit from music therapy?

People of varying ages and abilities, living with different needs such as:

• Sensory impairment
• Physical disabilities
• Emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Learning disabilities
• Developmental delay
• Communication disorders
• Autistic Spectrum disorders
• Neurological problems
• Mental health problems
• Alzheimer’s or dementia

Music Therapy is a profession registered with the Health Profressions Council (HPC). This assures the public that those who are qualified to practise it are competent to do so, having gained a postgraduate diploma qualification recognised by the Health Professionals Council (formerly the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine).

Updated: 10 March 2009