Top 10 Questions about Music Therapy

​​​​​​​​​​​​Presented by: Tina Haynes, MT-BC, NMT, LCAT
Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapist
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist​​

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Welcome to the C*A*M*M*O* site for music therapy! In addition to providing performance opportunities for veterans and active duty service members, training for careers in music, C*A*M*M*O* is dedicated to the use of music in therapy and rehabilitation for wounded warriors and veterans. I am thrilled to be part of the C*AM*M*O* team and having this opportunity to share information with you. Music therapists receive many questions about the field and as an introduction to those of you not familiar with the profession, here are answers to the “Top 10 Questions about Music Therapy”:

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What do all those letters stand for?

· Music Therapy the clinical and evidence-based used of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

· Neurologic Music Therapy: the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system.

· Creative Arts Therapy: the use creative arts as a form of therapy. Unlike traditional artistic expression, the process of creation is emphasized rather than the final product. Most common approaches use art, dance, drama, writing, and music.

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You mean there’s actually a degree in that?

· Over 70 undergraduate programs in the United States

· Over 175 clinical internship sites in the USA

· Over 5000 board certified music therapists

· International practice

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What does a music therapist do?

· Assess the patient’s present level of functioning, focusing on needs and strengths.

· Develop an individualized, written plan to address short and long-term treatment goals and objectives.

· Implement the plan by providing evidence-based music therapy strategies and interventions.

· Evaluate the patient’s responses and progress and document in patient records.

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Okay, but what do you do musically?

· Music improvisation

· Receptive/Guided Listening

· Song writing

· Lyric discussion

· Drumming/Rhythmic

· Singing/Toning/Chant

· Movement

· Adaptive instrument play

· Performance

· Movement

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What kinds of music do you use?

· All kinds!

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Who benefits from music therapy?

· Patients

· Family/Caregivers

· Clinicians/support staff

· Everyone!

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How does music help patients?

· Anxiety and stress reduction

· Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort

· Positive changes in mood and emotional states

· Enhanced interpersonal relationship

· Improve concentration and attention span

· Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences

· Improve reality testing and problem solving skills

· Opportunities for verbal and non-verbal self-express

· Stimulate cognitive functioning

· Memory functions

· Remediation for speech/language skills

· Wellness

· Enhance learning

· Promote motor development

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Do music therapists play any musical instruments?

· Accomplished on principal instrument

· Functional skills on piano, guitar, and voice

· Percussion/rhythm instruments

· Folk instruments such as dulcimer & autoharp

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​Where do music therapists work?

· VA Medical Centers

· Rehabilitation facilities

· Medical & psychiatric hospitals

· Substance abuse programs

· Outpatient clinics

· Hospice & bereavement programs

· Nursing homes

· Senior centers

· Wellness programs

· Private practice

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Where do I get more information?

· American Music Therapy Association; www.musictherapy.org

· Certification Board for Music Therapists; www.cbmt.org

· Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy; www.colostate.edu/dept/CBRM

In future columns, we will present information about such topics as adaptive equipment for the musician with disabilities, ways to use music for sleep and stress management, music and the brain, and neurologic music therapy. Thank you for reading and I welcome your questions, comments, and insights sent to Tina Haynes.