Music therapy is the use of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or individual. It employs a variety of activities, such as listening to melodies, playing an instrument, drumming, writing songs, and guided imagery. Music therapy is appropriate for people of all ages, whether they are virtuosos or tone deaf, struggling with illnesses or totally healthy.
Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain and behavior. Music can provide a distraction for the mind, it can slow the rhythms of the body, and it can alter our mood, which in turn can influence behavior.
Trained and certified music therapists work in a variety of healthcare and educational settings. They often work with people suffering from emotional health issues such as grief, anxiety, and depression. They also help people address rehabilitative needs after a stroke, a traumatic head injury, or with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.