FAQs & FACT SHEETS

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions

frequently asked questions

What is Music Therapy?

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 interventions can be designed to:

  • Promote wellness
  • Manage stress
  • Alleviate pain
  • Facilitate expression of feelings
  • Enhance memory
  • Improve communication
  • Promote physical rehabilitation

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Education and Training for Music Therapists

Music Therapists are trained through successful completion of an AMTA-approved college curriculum and training, including:

  • Mastery in primary instrument, development of functional skills in guitar, piano, percussion
  • Coursework in music, music therapy
  • Coursework in biology, psychology, social and behavioral sciences, general studies
  • Clinical skills develop through 1,200 hours of required fieldwork, including an internship in healthcare and/or education facilities
  • Certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, acquisition of MT-BC designation

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Music Therapists work in…

  • Behavioral health centers
  • Rehabilitation facilities 
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Day care treatment centers
  • Agencies serving persons who are developmentally disabled
  • Recovery (substance abuse) programs
  • Senior living/assisted living/memory care communities
  • Hospice programs
  • Correctional facilities
  • Halfway houses
  • Private practice
  • Schools
Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?

People with…

  • Mental health needs
  • Developmental or Intellectual disabilities 
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related conditions 
  • Substance abuse problems
  • Brain injuries 
  • Physical disabilities
  • Acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor

People who wish to employ music to facilitate…

  • Relaxation
  • Stress management

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Do Clients Need To Have a Music Background?

Not at all. Non-musicians and musicians alike may benefit from music therapy.

Difference Between Music Therapy and Music Listening Programs?

Tap here to learn more about the difference between clinical music therapy and a music listening program.

music therapy fact sheets

Still have questions? Please do not hesitate to ask! 

FAQs & FACT SHEETS

Below are some answers to
commonly asked questions

frequently asked questions

What is Music Therapy?

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 interventions can be designed to:

  • Promote wellness
  • Manage stress
  • Alleviate pain
  • Facilitate expression of feelings
  • Enhance memory
  • Improve communication
  • Promote physical rehabilitation

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Education and Training for Music Therapists

Music Therapists are trained through successful completion of an AMTA-approved college curriculum and training, including:

  • Mastery in primary instrument, development of functional skills in guitar, piano, percussion
  • Coursework in music, music therapy
  • Coursework in biology, psychology, social and behavioral sciences, general studies
  • Clinical skills develop through 1,200 hours of required fieldwork, including an internship in healthcare and/or education facilities
  • Certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, acquisition of MT-BC designation

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Music Therapists work in…

  • Behavioral health centers
  • Rehabilitation facilities 
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Day care treatment centers
  • Agencies serving persons who are developmentally disabled
  • Recovery (substance abuse) programs
  • Senior living/assisted living/memory care communities
  • Hospice programs
  • Correctional facilities
  • Halfway houses
  • Private practice
  • Schools
Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?

People with…

  • Mental health needs
  • Developmental or Intellectual disabilities 
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related conditions 
  • Substance abuse problems
  • Brain injuries 
  • Physical disabilities
  • Acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor

People who wish to employ music to facilitate…

  • Relaxation
  • Stress management

Source: (American Music Therapy Association, 2018)

Do Clients Need To Have a Music Background?

Not at all. Non-musicians and musicians alike may benefit from music therapy.

Difference Between Music Therapy and Music Listening Programs?

Tap here to learn more about the difference between clinical music therapy and a music listening program.

music therapy
fact sheets

Still have questions?
Please do not hesitate to ask!