Music therapy is defined as the clinical use of music by a credentialed therapist to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals within a relationship using music interventions. It uses music as the therapeutic medium to help clients with communication, behavior, and other clinical goals across populations like medical, mental health, and educational settings. A music therapist must have a degree in music therapy, pass certification, and continue ongoing training to design and implement individualized music programs.

1. WHAT IS MUSIC
THERAPY?
Channing Shippen

2. Music Therapy
“Music Therapy is the clinical and
evidence-based use of music
interventions to accomplish
individualized goals within a
therapeutic relationship by a
credentialed professional who has
completed an approved music
therapy program.”
- American Music Therapy
Association

3. What is Music Therapy?
 Music
 The medium used to provide therapy
 Therapy
A means of assisting or helping a person

5. What is Music Therapy?
 Relationship between Music Therapist and
patient using music to address patient needs
 Individualized plan
 Holistic, Non-invasive
 Can meet a variety of clinical goals and clinical
needs

6. The History of Music Therapy in
the USA
 First documented article
in 1789
 The Early 20th century
 1903- National Society of
Musical Therapeutics
 Eva Augusta
 1926– National
Association for Music in
Hospitals
 Isa Maud Ilsen
 1941– National
Foundation of Music
Therapy

7. The History of Music Therapy in
the USA
 1944 – Michigan State University Creates
the First Academic Program in Music
Therapy
 E. Thayer Gatson
 1950 – National Association for Music
Therapy
 NAMT
 1971 – American Association for Music
Therapy
 AAMT
 1983 – Certification Board for Music
Therapists
 CBMT
 1998 – American Music Therapy
Association
 AMTA

8. Music Therapy Today
 Serving Multiple Populations
 Correctional and Forensic settings
 Mental Health settings
 Medical and Hospice settings
 School settings
 Adult retirement and care facilities

9. Goals, Objectives and
Interventions
Goal Areas Interventions
 Communication  Songwriting
 Social and Emotional Skills  Lyric analysis
 Behavioral  Vocalizing (singing)
 Academic  Listening to Live music or
 Physical/Motor recorded music
 Cognitive  Playing instruments
 Musical  Musical improvisation
 Psycho Social Support  Guided Imagery (GIM)
 Alleviate Physical Symptoms
 Relaxation to music
 Speech and Language
development  Sound Vibration
 Daily living skills  Drumming

10. Training and Credentials
 Bachelors Degree or Higher in Music Therapy
 Includes 1200 hrs of field work and Internship
 Board Certification
 Continuing Education

11. Music Therapy in the Media

13. The Future of Music Therapy
Masters
Level
Entry
Technology
iPad
iPhone
I Everything! Therapy and Technology Symposium 2011
Berklee’s Music

15. Conclusion and Questions

16. References
 Dunn, B. (2012). More than a song: Exploring the healing art of
music therapy. Seattle, WA: University Book Store
 Hanser, S. B. (1999). New music therapist's handbook. Boston, MA:
Berklee Press.
 Davis, W. B., Gfeller, K. E., &Thaut, M. H. (2008). An introduction to
music therapy: Theory and practice. Silver Spring, MD: American
Music Therapy Association, Inc.
 Bollard, J. (Director) (2011). Music therapy matters [DVD]. Available
from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XupaMxbe6TU
 Michaels, S. (Corespondant) (2012). The healing power of music
[DVD] Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ketz-mJ-x-
Q
 2012. Alive inside [DVD]. Available from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKDXuCE7LeQ
 American Music Therapy Association – www.musictherapy.org