What is music therapy?
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as:
"Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing.
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a university-trained professional who is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc. Registered music therapists draw on an extensive body of research and are bound by a code of ethics that informs their practice.
Music therapists incorporate a range of music-making methods within and through a therapeutic relationship. They are employed in a variety of sectors including health, community, aged care, disability, early childhood, and private practice. Music therapy is different from music education and entertainment as it focuses on health, functioning and wellbeing.
Music therapists are committed to supporting people of any age and ability regardless of musical skill, culture or background."
what does a session look like?
Each session is individually planned around the client.
Each client has set goals that are being worked towards, and many of these goals may be aligned with goals being addressed in other therapeutic settings.
Music therapy sessions may include the following:
Singing
Playing instruments
Songwriting
Social skills games and groups
Improvisation
Listening
Music meditation
Drama
Performance preparation