What is music therapy?

The Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) defines music therapy as the skillful use of music by a trained music therapist to promote emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, communicative, and social well being.

Music therapy programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client. This is done by first completing a formal assessment where the music therapist will determine the current functioning level of the client (e.g. emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, communicative, and social functioning).

Next, a treatment plan will be formulated. This may be done in consultation with the client, other health care workers, parents and family. Within this treatment plan, goals for sessions and specific objectives (steps that are used to make progress towards meeting the goals) are outlined. After this, sessions will commence where the client will be given the opportunity to engage in enjoyable music activities that have been selected to help work towards achieving the goals outlined.

Throughout the treatment process the music therapist will periodically evaluate the progress of the original treatment plan and modify it as needed. Finally, when the client has achieved the treatment goals and/or music therapy no long seems appropriate, the music therapist will prepare for discharging the client.

Who benefits from music therapy?

Music therapy can benefit people from a wide range of ages, abilities and backgrounds. Examples of areas that a music therapist might work with include geriatrics, autism, physical disabilities, palliative care, mental health, emotional trauma, developmental disabilities, and many more. People who participate in music therapy do not need to have any musical training or experience.

Where can I find out more about music therapy?

Canadian Association for Music Therapy
Music Therapy Association of BC
Capilano University Music Therapy Program