What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist the healing and personal growth of people with identified emotional, intellectual, physical or social needs.
Music therapists use the special qualities of music in a shared relationship with their clients, to meet personal needs, support learning, and promote healing and change. They work with people of all ages and abilities, from children and their families to the frail elderly. They work with individuals and groups, and in many different settings.
Music therapy is effective in:
- Developing communication
- Extending language and intellectual development
- Supporting people in times of loss, grief, and pain
- Reducing stress and tension
- Motivating rehabilitation
- Extending movement and physical co-ordination
- Enhancing cultural and spiritual identity
- Giving emotional support through times of change or crisis
- Assisting memory, imagination, and processing thought