What is Music Therapy?

The American Music Therapy Association defines the process as “the clinical and evidence based-use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” The client or patient’s goals determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

What is the history of music therapy as a health care profession?

The idea that music could affect health and could be harnessed for its healing influence is at least as old as the writings of Pythagoras, Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians, both amateur and professional, brought music into Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients’ notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. It was soon evident that the hospital musicians needed some prior training before entering the facility and so the demand grew for a college curriculum. The first music therapy degree program in the world was founded in Michigan State University in 1944. The American Music Therapy Association was founded in 1998.

Where can I learn more about Music Therapy?

Please refer to AMTA’s website educational resources HERE