“Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional [MT-BC],” (American Music Therapy Association).

In other words, music therapists blend music with clinical knowledge to create personalized interventions that address their client’s needs and strengthen their skills. While the interventions are centered on music, music therapists are targeting goals outside of music.

Credentialed music therapists earn their MT-BC, or Music Therapist, Board Certified. This credential indicates that the therapist has successfully completed coursework in music therapy, psychology, and other relevant sciences as well as supervised clinical training. They also complete continuing educational requirements to maintain this credential.

Learn more at the American Music Therapy Association or the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

• Cognition (attention, memory, executive functioning)

• Physical and motor skills (coordination, fine and gross motor movement)

• Speech, language, and communication

• Emotional and self-expression

• Social

Music therapy primarily focuses on addressing goals outside of the music. Sessions are conducted by MT-BCs, who undergo additional clinical training to meet the needs of their clients.

Music lessons focus on learning about music itself. In lessons, students learn how to play an instrument, how to read music, and other musical skills as appropriate and relevant.