Music Therapy
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession that leverages the power of music to achieve health, wellness and recovery outcomes. It involves the clinical and intentional use of music interventions to accomplish these individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Certified Music Therapists practice in diverse settings such as healthcare, education, corporate and community care settings.
There are music therapy associations in Canada, the USA and throughout the World.
“Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.” – Canadian Association of Music Therapists
Who is a Music Therapist?
A Certified Music Therapist (MTA) has graduated from an approved, university-level music therapy training program, completed a comprehensive 1000-hour internship, and passed a globally recognized certification exam, ensuring a profound depth of understanding and skill in music therapy approaches, practices, and techniques. Certified Music Therapists receive their certification from the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). The credential presented to successful applicants is ‘MTA’.
What Music Therapists Do?
Music therapists are specially trained to use music, counselling skills, identification of music preferences, songwriting, drumming, singing and instrument improvisation for the following goal areas: mood, communication, language, motor skills, socialization, emotional expression, confidence, relaxation, and focus.
Working independently and alongside other healthcare professionals, music therapists collaborate with their patients, establish individual goals to pursue, and then design music-based interventions to meet those goals. Depending on the treatment goals and the clients’ particular needs, a session might involve creating, improvising, listening to, and/or making music.