What is music therapy?

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapy that utilizes music to accomplish individual patient goals. Music therapy is performed by a professional who has completed a music therapy program.

The AMTA states that music therapy uses music to establish a therapeutic relationship with patients. Music can be used to address the physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs of a patient. Music therapy can involve listening to music, creating music, dancing to music or writing down song lyrics. This type of therapy allows patients who have problems with language to communicate their needs through music.