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STUDENT SERVICES

Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music purposefully—not just for entertainment, but as a clinical and evidence-based tool to support health and wellbeing.

In a music therapy session, music becomes a way to communicate, explore emotions, build skills, and support the body and brain in a safe, therapeutic environment.

Sessions are led by a Music Therapy – Board Certified (MT-BC), a professional who is specifically trained to use music interventions to address individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.

What is Music Therapy?

What Is Music Therapy?

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional (2005).

  • Supporting emotional expression and regulation
  • Improving communication and social skills
  • Building cognitive skills such as attention and memory
  • Supporting physical goals such as movement or coordination
  • Providing comfort, connection, and quality of life
Who is Music Therapy For?

Music therapy is not about musical talent or performance. You do not need any musical background to benefit. The focus is on the process and experience, not on “being good at music.”

What Do MT-BCs Do?

MT-BC stands for Music Therapy – Board Certified. These professionals are trained in music, psychology, and clinical practice to use music intentionally in a therapeutic setting.

Assessment &
Understanding

Music therapists start by getting to know each
person’s strengths, needs, and goals.

They may observe musical responses, communication, movement, mood, and social interaction to build a full picture of how to best support the client.

Goal Setting &
Treatment Planning

Based on the assessment, music therapists
create an individualized plan.

Goals might include reducing anxiety, improving communication, supporting attention and memory, building coping skills, or enhancing quality of life.

Music-Based
Interventions

Each intervention is selected to match the
client’s unique needs and preferences.

Techniques may include improvisation, receptive music listening, songwriting, lyric discussion, guided music imagery, or structured music-learning activities.

Ongoing Support
& Evaluation

Music therapy is a flexible, evolving process that
grows alongside the client.

As therapy progresses, MT-BCs continually monitor outcomes, adjust interventions, and collaborate with families and care teams. Sessions evolve over time so goals stay relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do MT-BCs work with?

Music therapists work with:

  • Infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults
  • Neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals
  • Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
  • People in substance abuse recovery
  • Autistic individuals
  • Individuals experiencing mental health conditions
  • Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Individuals with developmental or learning disabilities
  • Mothers in labor and those needing postpartum support
  • Infants and families in the NICU
Do I need to know how to sing or play an instrument?

Not at all. Music therapy is about expression, connection, and therapeutic progress—not musical skill. Clients participate in ways that feel comfortable, whether that’s listening, playing simple instruments, creating rhythms, writing lyrics, or exploring music through guided experiences.

What happens during a typical session?

Every session is tailored to the individual, but it may include listening to music, playing instruments, singing, songwriting, guided relaxation with music, movement, or discussing lyrics. Sessions are paced to the client’s comfort level and shaped around their goals.

How long is a session?

Most sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the setting and individual needs. Group sessions may vary based on structure and goals.

What if I don’t know what kind of support I need?

That’s completely okay. The therapist will guide the initial assessment, help clarify goals, and recommend an approach that fits your needs.