What is Music Therapy?

The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Music Therapy as a research-based allied health profession in which music is used to actively support people as they aim to improve their health, functioning and well-being. It can help people of all ages to manage their physical and mental health and enhance their quality of life.

You don’t need to be musical to take part in or benefit from Music Therapy. Qualified music therapists plan and provide musical experiences for their clients. Each session is tailored to the needs and goals of the client.

Music Therapy is practiced in a wide range of settings, these can include: 

• Disability services
• Early childhood 
• Neurological treatment 
• Aged care 
• Hospitals and cancer centres
• Mental health clinics
• Palliative care/end-of-life settings
• Schools 
• Community settings

Each Music Therapist will tailor their programs in collaboration with their participants based on their settings and goals/objectives. 

Anyone of any age can benefit from Music Therapy. It can help people who may be having difficulties (including mental, intellectual, physical, emotional, or social) or who want to enhance their wellbeing. 

Some examples of populations include:

• Autism
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Physical disabilities
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Schizophrenia

Music Therapy sessions are held face-to-face. Music Therapists design and structure each session to accomodate the strengths and needs of the participant, and employ a range of music therapy methods. A session may include:

• Musical activities which promote collaborative practice, nurture creative expression and build knowledge and skills across both musical and social development.
• Application of a variety of instruments, including voice, small percussion, tuned percussion, keys, drums, guitars, and electronic instruments. Instruments chosen will be based on the participant's interests, skills and goals.
• Receptive listening to live or recorded music, played by the Music Therapist for the participant.
• Active engagement in music playing through instrument play, vocalising, or body percussion with the Music Therapist e.g. 'Jamming'. 
• Opportunities to practice autonomy, choice and control for verbal and non-verbal participants by selecting genres, songs, artists and instruments to work with in each session. 
• Composition of original music for self-expression.
• Musical improvisation with the Music Therapist or group.
• Guided music relaxation.
• Creating resources and activities complete outside of the Music Therapy session.
• Playlist creation for mood regulation, physical rehabilitation or motivation.
• Practice of social interactions through family and support staff participating in sessions to improve therapeutic outcomes for the participant.

Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) are university-trained professionals who normally hold a Master of Music Therapy degree. They are governed by an ethics code that guides their work and draw on a large body of research.