Music Therapy

How does music therapy differ from listening to music?

Some people think that music therapy simply involves listening to relaxing music, but it encompasses so very much more than that. In order for it to be considered “music therapy”, it needs to be performed by a board-certified music therapist. Music therapists practice an evidence-based health profession which is backed up by a strong foundation of scientific research. They have the skills and formal training to encourage their patients to participate and be actively engaged in music, so that instead of merely listening to music, it becomes an active versus a passive experience.

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Music therapy is a two-way process during which a therapist starts with a physical and mental health assessment of the patient, creates a treatment plan (which can include improvising, creating or writing music, analyzing lyrics, singing, moving, and/or listening to music), and evaluates and makes adjustments based on how the patient responds to the music that's being created or used.

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Music therapy creates the ideal environment to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of teens dealing with mental health disorders, stress, autism, traumas, Down Syndrome, ADHD, brain injuries, physical disabilities, asthma, cancer, acute or chronic pain, etc. But of course, music therapy can be healing for all ages, ranging from premature babies to the elderly, suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia.​