A music therapist is a trained professional who uses music-based activities within a therapeutic relationship to work toward individual goals. Music therapy can involve a range of activities and does not require a person to have advanced musical skills.
A session may include singing, playing instruments, improvisation, songwriting, movement, listening or other structured musical experiences. The activities selected depend on the individual and the goals being addressed.
One of the important aspects of working with a music therapist is that sessions can be personalised. People have different communication styles, interests, abilities and preferences, so a therapist can adapt activities to create an appropriate experience.
Music therapy may be considered in a variety of settings. Depending on the service and individual circumstances, it may support children, adults, families, community groups or people receiving other forms of assistance.
For families considering music therapy, finding out about the therapist's qualifications, experience and approach can help with making an informed decision. It is also useful to discuss what the person hopes to achieve from sessions.
Music therapy should be distinguished from ordinary music tuition. A music teacher generally focuses on developing musical skills, while a music therapist uses music as part of a therapeutic process.
NORO provides information about music therapy and related services, allowing individuals and families to learn more about what professional music-based support can involve.
There is no requirement to be a musician to benefit from participating in music therapy. The focus is on the therapeutic use of music rather than musical performance.
If you are exploring music therapy for yourself or someone you support, understanding the role of a music therapist can help you decide what questions to ask and what type of service may be appropriate.
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