ABOUT MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.
—Canadian Association of Music Therapists
Why music therapy?
Music has been known to have a presence within every culture. It is a universal language that supersedes individual differences. For those who are non-verbal or have difficulty expressing their feelings, music is a form of communication that does not require words. It is a safe and beautiful outlet for self-expression. One of the key aspects required for growth and learning is personal motivation.
Music itself is a motivator and can lead an individual toward therapeutic goals in a desirable way. Research suggests that musical processing is a multimodal experience accessing many different parts of the brain all at once. As music stimulates neural connections among brain cells, it provides optimal cognitive development for a person.
Where can I learn more?
Great questions! Here are some trusted, high-quality sources of information about music therapy in the Canadian and Albertan context:
Of course you can also to reach out to a certified music therapist directly... like yours truly. I'd love to help you out!
What are some benefits and outcomes?
Music therapy interventions help to work toward goal areas such as:
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Social
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Emotional
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Communication (receptive and expressive)
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Gross and fine motor
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Cognitive and academic
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Sensory
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Creative self-expression
What does "doing music therapy" entail?
Music therapy interventions include:
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Singing and playing instruments
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Musical improvisation
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Music and movement activities
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Educational and instructional songs
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Creating and recording original music
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Listening to music