Music Therapy

Music Therapy: An Art Beyond Words by Leslie Bunt

Music Therapy involves the use of musical experiences and the relationships that develop between therapist and client through music-making to encourage positive change in an individual or group. This is in order to improve the client’s physical and socio – emotional functioning as well as to restore or maintain overall well-being.

Music is a powerful means of communication and of emotional, self or group expression. By responding to the musical expressions of a client, a music therapist can discern something of how that client is in the world. As a musical relationship develops, the client may then be encouraged to explore new ways of communicating and expressing her/himself. This is achieved through carefully structured activities such as singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, music and imagery exercises as well as talking about the music or experiences in sessions. In all instances the use of music is clinically informed.

Music therapists work with a wide variety of people. Some examples include those with learning disabilities, the developmentally delayed, those who have been abused, individuals who suffer from mental illnesses, the mentally and physically handicapped, the elderly (including those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia), the terminally ill, the traumatically brain injured, those who have suffered trauma as well as those persons who do not suffer from a clinical diagnosis.

Music therapists work in schools (mainstream or remedial education), hospitals, nursing facilities, treatment centers, hospices, group homes, prisons, community programs, as well as in private practice.

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