Music Therapy Overview

The American Music Therapy Association states that "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."¹

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• promote wellness
• manage stress
• alleviate pain
• express feelings
• enhance memory
• improve communication
• promote physical rehabilitation.
• Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

Historically, music has been used to provide relief and relaxation for many centuries but began in its modern-day form after WWI. Musicians were hired to play in veteran's hospitals and it was found that the patients benefited both physically and emotionally with the presence of music.¹

1. American Music Therapy Association. Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed on July 15, 2010 from http://www.musictherapy.org/faqs.html