Music therapy is 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. This is the official definition of music therapy as stated by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

In simpler terms, music therapy involves the use of music as a means to achieve non-musical goals. Music therapy practice is based in research and applies scientific knowledge to the creation of music experiences for health treatment. These music experiences are facilitated by a trained, credentialed professional. 

Music and the Brain: Why Music Therapy Works

Music impacts the entire brain: more specifically, different aspects of music are processed across many different areas of the brain. In this way, music therapy can target a variety of needs in specific areas. Below are some descriptions of how music impacts the brain, leading to a variety of positive outcomes when applied in music therapy practice:

  1. Emotional and cognitive processing – Music has an overlapping effect on the brain regions that perform emotional and cognitive processing. When a person listens to music they consider to be pleasant, the part of the brain associated with reduced stress is activated. The “reward pathway” of the brain produces dopamine, a hormone associated with feelings of pleasure. Furthermore, pleasant music also positively impacts the parts of the brain involved in cognitive processes such as impulse control and decision making. Music therapists are careful to use patient-preferred music in their treatment so that these positive responses are most likely to occur.
  2. Neuroplasticity – This is the process by which the brain changes itself, and it is affected by music in multiple ways. First, neuroplasticity requires a clear signal, and music provides a clear auditory signal that the brain can process easily. Second, the above-mentioned reward pathway in the brain is also important for neuroplasticity, as dopamine is required for learning and changes in the brain. Pleasant music increases the release of dopamine from the reward system, potentially strengthening new connections in the brain. Third, neuroplasticity requires two or more neurons to fire at the same time, and music’s rhythm can synchronize neural firing. Finally, since music involves the entire brain, music therapy can potentially impact neuroplasticity across the entire brain.
  3. Memory – Since music is processed throughout the brain, musical memory is stored throughout the brain. Even when an individual has a memory disorder that has negatively affected some of their brain tissue, other areas of brain tissue that are still functioning well remain able to process music. For patients with memory loss, music therapists can use their preferred music to evoke memories and tap into the cognitive function that is still remaining.
  4. Motor performance – The rhythm and tempo (beats per minute) of music can have a strong effect on the motor areas of the brain. Synchronization with music assists with movement preparation, coordination, and rate. Music therapists can choose music with a specific rhythm/tempo to help their patients with motor needs synchronize both small and large movements.

This is only a brief overview of some of the ways music therapy can impact the brain. Music can be further used in therapeutic settings to increase communication, socialization, attention, and more. Further research is necessary to fully grasp music’s effects on the brain and how these findings can impact music therapy treatment. However, new technology and research collaborations indicate an exciting future for music therapy research and the advancement of the practice. 

What Music Therapists Do

Music therapists work with a variety of populations in a variety of settings, targeting physical, mental, social, communicative, and/or cognitive goals. Some examples of music therapy goals across different populations include: 

  • Improving communication in children with autism
  • Reducing pain in hospitalized people
  • Improving sleep patterns and promoting weight gain in premature infants
  • Improving motor function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
  • Lessening the effects of dementia in older adults

Once a client’s goals have been established, the music therapist designs and implements music interventions that are carefully chosen to address those goals. Depending on the situation, the music therapist might use one or more of the four primary music therapy methods: 

  • Receptive methods: the client listens to music, either live or recorded
  • Recreative methods: the client engages with existing music through singing, playing instruments, learning, or performing
  • Improvisational methods: the client spontaneously plays or sings new music
  • Compositional methods: the client creates music by writing songs or lyrics, making recordings, etc.

During sessions, the music therapist carefully monitors the client’s behaviors and responses. Using their clinical and musical skills, the therapist can adapt their approaches based on the client’s needs. To determine if the treatment is effective, the therapist carefully documents the client’s progress through formal data collection and reports. 

How to Become a Music Therapist

Since music therapy is an official healthcare profession, a person must complete formal education and training in order to officially practice. This includes earning at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, completing an internship, and passing the board exam. After these steps are completed, the individual receives the credential Music Therapist – Board Certified (MT-BC) and can officially enter the profession.

This is just a brief overview of what music therapy is and what it can do. More specific information about how music therapy can be effective for family caregivers of older adults can be explored throughout this website. 

References

American Music Therapy Association. (n.d.). Definition and quotes about music therapy. https://www.musictherapy.org/faq/#187

American Music Therapy Association. (n.d.). FAQ’s. American Music Therapy Association. https://www.musictherapy.org/faq/#187

American Music Therapy Association. (n.d.). Older adults living with memory disorders. https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/FactSheet_Music_Therapy_and_Dementia_Care_2021.pdf

Stegemoller, E. (2018). The brain and music. In A. Knight, A. B. La Gasse, & A. A. Clair (Eds.), Music therapy: An introduction to the profession (pp. 89-102). American Music Therapy Association.