What is music therapy
Defining the field of music therapy.
The therapeutic use of music to address emotional, psychological, physical and social needs.
What is music therapy?
We define music therapy as the intentional use of music by a professional with university-level training and musical, clinical and professional competencies. Music therapists rely on research-based knowledge to plan interventions that support a client’s work towards non-musical goals. These practices and interventions are effective even when clients have no musical training or background.
The key elements of music therapy include:
- A certified music therapist (MTA)
- One or more clients with therapeutic needs
- The use of music in either receptive or active methods
- A personalized intervention plan adapted to clients’ specific goals
What does not qualify as music therapy?
- The use of music without a certified music therapist (MTA)
- Music education or lessons that are not part of an intervention plan
- Music entertainment in a medical setting
- The use of music by other professionals, such as musicians, music educators, sound healers, or music thanatologists.
Visit the other pages of this section to discover more about the training and requirements to become a certified music therapist, the scope of work and clinical methodology of music therapy interventions, and the structure and content of sessions.
The Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) defines music therapy as 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, 2020