Music Therapy | Definition
What is music therapy?
Since 2005, the American Music Therapy Association Inc. (AMTA) has defined music therapy this way:
"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."
Music therapy improves the quality of life for people who are well and meets the needs of both children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Applied by a qualified practitioner, music therapy interventions can achieve all of the following:
- alleviate pain
- enhance memory
- help express feelings
- improve communication
- manage stress
- promote physical rehabilitation
- promote wellness
Music therapy is a creative, flexible and often spontaneous means of using the appeal of music to help people of all ages and all abilities.
Music therapy is both an art and a science.
Music Therapy Demystified
AMTA Inc.
American Music Therapy Ass'n
MusicWorx is a long-time member of AMTA, an organization that advances public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increases access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.