Most simply put, music therapy is the purposeful use of musical experiences to work towards a therapeutic goal or objective.
Ken Bruscia describes music therapy as the "goal-directed process in which the therapist helps the client to improve, maintain, or restore a state of well-being, using musical experiences and the relationships that develop through them as dynamic forces of change."
Music Therapy is scientifically based and uses specific techniques to work with clients. It can address cognitive, academic, motor, emotional, and social needs of clients. Therapists set goals and objectives within these areas to work toward clients' specific needs. They also take data during sessions to keep record of progress.
Some basic types of interventions could involve (but are not limited to) singing, playing a variety of instruments, music listening, improvisation, song composition, movement to music, musical games and more.
Music Therapist Keiko Kajiwara explains, "Because music therapy is a nonthreatening medium, unique outcomes are possible."
Click here for information from the American Music Therapy Association
