What is Music Therapy?
According to The American Music Therapy Association, “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 definition, 2005) An increasing amount of research supports the effectiveness of Music therapy interventions and services across many health and educational settings. The following is a list of some examples of the goal areas Music Therapist can design and implement interventions to achieve:
- promote wellness
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- express feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- promote physical rehabilitation
- improve attention span
Where do Music Therapists work?
Music Therapists work in various therapeutic settings as they provide services to a wide variety of populations:
- Medical Hospitals
- Nursing Homes/Older Adult Care Facilities
- Schools
- Correctional Facilities
- Mental and Behavioral Health Clinics
- Private Homes
- Physical Rehabilitation Centers
Music Therapists provide services to meet the needs of individuals with varying needs:
- Children, adolescents and adults, developmental/intellectual disabilities
- Mental health needs,
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease and other aging related conditions
- Substance abuse problems
- Brain injuries
- Autism
- Physical disabilities
- Chronic or terminal illness
- Other
What does a Music Therapist do?
According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up. To learn more about the field of music therapy, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions portion of the American Music Therapy Association.
Music Therapy in Illinois
The Illinois Association for Music Therapy has been working to advocate for the field of Music Therapy since 1972. Throughout Illinois, the profession continues to evolve and grow. Currently there are approximately 180 Board Certified Music Therapists in Illinois. In the year 2008, 20,000 Illinois citizens received Music Therapy services across 44 of the State’s counties.