What is music therapy? Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music interventions to address health goals. A music therapist might help someone with dementia access grounding and meaningful connection with their spouse through a favorite song from their early days of dating. A music therapist might help a child with speech delays start singing key communication phrases to support their autonomy. Music therapy might entail using a drum or metronome to help a stroke survivor regain their ability to walk, thanks to the fact that our gross motor skills are directly wired to the rhythm center of the brain. People may also benefit from working with a music therapist on wellness goals, which might include bolstering neuroplasticity and cognition, enhancing motor coordination and connection to the body’s senses, discovering ways to soothe a traumatized nervous system without drugs or alcohol, and increasing meaningful social connection. Music therapy is an allied health profession founded on decades of clinical research and millennia of human cultural tradition. We are happy to answer questions, and the American Music Therapy Association website www.musictherapy.org has more information as well.
How are music therapists trained? Music therapists must complete a bachelor’s degree at minimum in the U.S., and some get additional training and practice at the master’s level, which is the minimum in the U.K. In addition to their coursework, prospective music therapists must complete supervised clinical placements and a six-month internship before taking the board certification exam, which confers upon them the credential “MT-BC” (music therapist – board certified). In many states, including Oregon, music therapists are also licensed. Music therapists must fulfill ongoing education requirements in order to re-certify their credential every five years with the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
What is the difference between music therapy and music education? The purpose of music therapy is to address specific, non-musical health goals. For example, after former United States Representative Gabby Giffords suffered severe brain injury during an assassination attempt, a music therapist worked with her to use singing to rewire her existing brain pathways and help her regain the ability to speak. The purpose of music education, on the other hand, is primarily to give a client musical skills and knowledge (for example, how to sing more beautifully) and any health benefits are a side effect.
Do you accept insurance? We are a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. We can provide superbills upon request for clients seeking insurance reimbursement.