Music therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual health and well-being. Within this definition are the key elements that define interventions as music therapy.
Abroad, music therapy is essentially prescribed by members of the client’s treatment team, which can include doctors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, case workers or parents.
Music is the primary therapeutic tool. Using music to establish a trusting relationship, the music therapist then works to improve the client’s physical and mental functioning through carefully structured activities. Examples can include singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, and music and imagery exercises.
Music is administered by a trained music therapist. A music therapist’s education and training is extensive. Musical interventions are developed and used by the therapist based on his/her knowledge of the music’s effect on behaviour, the client’s strengths and weaknesses, and the therapeutic goals.
Music therapy works towards specific therapeutic goals and objectives. Goal areas include communicative, academic, motor, emotional, and social skills. It is important to be aware that while clients may develop their musical skills during treatment, these skills are not the primary concern of the therapist. Rather it is the effect such musical development might have on the client’s physical, psychological and socio-economical functioning.