What is Music Therapy? PDF Print E-mail
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. (American Music Therapy Association, 2005)

MUSIC THERAPY is the use of music and/or its musical elements (sound, rhythm, melody and harmony) by a qualified music therapist, with a client or group, in a process designed to facilitate and promote communication, relationships, learning, mobilisation, expression, organisation and other relevant therapeutic objectives in order to meet physical, emotional, mental, social and cognitive needs.

MUSIC THERAPY aims to develop potentials and/or restore functions of the individual so that he or she can achieve better intra and/or interpersonal integration and, consequently, a better quality of life, through prevention, rehabilitation or treatment. (World Federation of Music Therapy, 1996)

MUSIC THERAPY is considered a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). When music therapy is deemed necessary to assist a child benefit from his/her special education, goals are documented on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) as a related service intervention.

MUSIC THERAPY provisions have been also enacted as part of the Older American Act of 1992.

MUSIC THERAPY is also recognized as a viable treatment modality by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commision (CARF), and the National Rehabilitation Caucus (NRC).

For more information 
For more information, visit the website of American Music Therapy Association: www.musictherapy.org


Back