Music therapy uses music to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals. It can promote wellness, alleviate pain, express feelings, and aid in physical rehabilitation and stress management. Studies have shown music therapy can increase mood in older adults with depression and integrate music into their daily lives. It can also stimulate brain waves, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, ease muscle tension, and help with social skills for autistic children.

1. Music Therapy “ Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” -Victor Hugo

2. 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.”

3. Benefits of Music Therapy Promote Wellness Alleviate Pain Express Feelings Promote Physical Rehabilitation Manage Stress Enhance Memory Improve Communication Health/Educational Benefits

4. PA Schools Offering Music Therapy Programs Marylhurst University Drexel University Duquesne University Elizabethtown College Marywood University Seton Hill University Slippery Rock University Immaculata University

5. Case Study Music Therapy on Depressed Older Adults Increase in mood states of older adults participating in self-administered or home-based music therapy compared to control group Participants enjoyed the treatment well after 8-week study After the study, all participants continued to use music therapy techniques when they were feeling depressed 12 individuals integrated music into everyday life: church choir, attend concerts, etc.

6. Music Therapy for the Body Brain Waves : stimulate brain waves; sharp concentration, alert thinking with fast beats and calm, meditative feelings associated with slow beats Breathing and Heart Rate : slower breathing and heart rate, relaxation response; counteract/prevent chronic stress State of Mind : keep depression and anxiety at bay; higher levels of creativity and optimism

7. Music Therapy for the Body Lower Blood Pressure: reduced risk of stroke and other problems over time Boost Immunity Ease Muscle Tension Profound Physical Effects

8. Music Therapy for Autistic Kids Social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support were addressed with music therapy Improved joint attention behaviors of participants Professionals and mothers suggested greater success with music therapy than with other forms of therapy used on the children