2. 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 (AMTA, 2009)
3. What do Music Therapists do?
Assess strengths and weaknesses in the following areas: affective,
emotional and behavioral responses, physical health, social functioning,
communication abilities, and cognitive skills
Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs
using patient/client preferred music and interventions like: music
improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion,
music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation,
and follow up and discharge planning.
4. What Objectives can Music
Therapy Address?
Promote wellness
Manage stress
Alleviate pain
Express feelings
Enhance memory
Improve communication
Promote physical rehabilitation
Enhance/improve socialization
Teach/enhance educational objectives
5. Misconceptions about Music
Therapy Treatment
Musical ability is required to benefit from music therapy
Certain types of music are more therapeutic than
others.
All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a
client or patient's life.
Individual's preferences, circumstances and need for
treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to
determine the types of music a music therapist may use
(AMTA, 1999)
6. What Populations can Benefit
from Music Therapy?
Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs
Individuals with developmental and learning disabilities
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions
Individuals with substance abuse problems
Individuals with brain injuries and physical disabilities
Individuals with acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.
Premature infants
Individuals who are terminally ill
7. Who can practice Music Therapy?
(MT-BC Qualifications)
Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with 6-
month clinical internship in approved site
National Certification Test
College curriculum and faculty qualifications
approved by the American Music Therapy
Association
MT-BCs are the only certified, degreed
professionals doing music therapy in medical
settings.
8. Music Therapy Degrees at FSU
Bachelors of Music-
Therapy (50 yrs.)
Master of Music-Therapy
-need qualifications
for professional practice
Ph.D.- Music Ed with
emphasis in Therapy
Admission requires M.M.
& 2 years clinical
experience
9. Clinical Example: Procedural Support (IV
Stick/ER) Using Distraction, Successive
Approximation, Age-appropriate music
