Music Therapy is...
Music therapy is an evidence-informed allied health practice in which NZ Registered Music Therapists and participants use music and musical-therapeutic relationships to support health and well-being (hauora). Music Therapy is a culturally responsive practice and in Aotearoa NZ, acknowledges Te Ao Māori understandings of interconnectedness between people, spirituality, and the environment.
NZ Registered Music Therapists support individuals, whānau and communities to foster:
• connection (whanaungatanga)
• self-expression (whakapuaki)
• learning (akoranga)
• rehabilitation (whakamātūtūnga)
• recovery (whakamāuitanga)
• growth (whai mātauranga)
• quality of life (hauora)
The definition of music therapy used by the World Federation of Music Therapy is:
“Music therapy is a professional discipline that uses music-based
experiences, such as listening, singing, playing instruments or
improvisation, to promote health, well-being, capacity, and
development at a personal and social level.
It is delivered by trained professionals within a therapeutic
relationship, and is an adaptable, inclusive, therapeutic modality
that serves individuals, groups, and communities across clinical,
educational, cultural and virtual settings.
Music therapy practice is research-based, shaped by professional
education and clinical training, guided by ethical responsibility, and
informed by social, cultural, and political context.”
Who can benefit
Music Therapy is effective with people of all ages and abilities, from newborn babies, through childhood and adolescence, to adulthood and the end of life.
Anyone can benefit from music therapy, including people who are under stress; those who have intellectual, physical or emotional needs; live with dementia; are suffering the consequences of trauma, separation or abuse; or who have a terminal illness.
Why choose Music Therapy
Music Therapy is effective in:
- Developing communication
- Encouraging social interaction and relationship building
- Extending language and intellectual development
- Supporting people in times of loss, grief, and pain
- Reducing stress, tension and agitation
- Motivating rehabilitation, movement and physical coordination
- Extending movement and physical co-ordination
- Enhancing cultural and spiritual identity
- Giving emotional support through times of change or crisis
- Facilitating self-expression and building confidence
- Supporting emotional well-being and development
- Assisting memory, imagination, and processing thought
What Music Therapists do
Music Therapists often work as members of a clinical team in a variety of settings. These include:
- Early intervention centres
- Schools
- Aged care settings
- Prisons
- Hospital units
- Hospices
- Community rehabilitation and
- Mental health facilities
Some Music Therapists work in private practice in homes or clinics and may also provide consultancy services.
What happens in a Music Therapy session
In a typical session, a range of musical instruments is made available. The Music Therapist creatively supports and guides music making and sound exploration through which new ways to communicate and relate can emerge. No previous experience is necessary and there are no expectations for the client to be able to play in a particular way.