What is music therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence based practice that uses music as the modality to treat and support a wide variety of goal areas including social skills, fine/gross motor skills, abstract thinking, impulse control, executive function, attention, memory, functional language skills and much more. Music therapists co-create therapeutic music interventions and experiences to meet the needs of diverse populations with a diverse range of diagnoses. Ultimately, Wonderfully Made Music Therapy seeks to empower, connect and heal the inner and outer lives of those served.

Music therapy is practiced only by those with the MT-BC (music therapist-board certified) credential. Extensive academic, musical, psychological and clinical instruction is required in order to qualify for the music therapy board certification exam. See below for common goal areas addressed by music therapy.

Goal areas.

  • When in session, clients are actively engaged in musical experiences that mimic everyday social interactions using call-and-response interventions, music games and direct social skills instruction. Over time, these skills are able to generalize to everyday social interactions.

  • Music therapy sessions are structured, yet flexible, allowing for creativity, self-expression and leadership skills through experiences such as improvisation and songwriting. Wonderfully Made Music Therapy offers supportive environments that allow clients to take creative risks and develop their unique voice.

  • Instrument playing, music and movement and relaxation techniques are some of the interventions employed in order to address body awareness, fine/gross motor skills and pain reduction.

  • Many sessions are targeted to address cognitive areas such as attention, memory, executive function, problem solving, abstract thinking, sequencing and following multi-step directions. If you have a loved one who struggles in these areas, music therapy may be a good fit.

  • Music therapy is an effective way to help address a wide variety of academic goals. Please contact Wonderfully Made Music Therapy if you would like more information on how music therapy can address client’s academic needs.

  • Music therapy sessions support behavioral goals by using structured musical experiences that reinforce desired behaviors and promote self-regulation. By using consistent routines and engaging interventions, clients can learn to manage impulses and develop coping strategies.