What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the planned use of

singing, listening, playing instruments, creating, and movement

by a trained professional, to promote

fine & gross motor skills, cognitive & academic skills, emotional skills, communication skills, social skills, sensory awareness, and confidence.

Who is a Music Therapist?

A professional music therapist holds a bachelor's degree or higher in music therapy from a college or university program which has been approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and has completed a six-month internship at an approved site. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, music therapists are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified) which is necessary for professional practice. The credential MT-BC is granted by a separate, accredited organization, the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

In addition, music therapists adhere to specific standards for clinical interventions and ethical conduct in professional practice, which are defined by the AMTA. (Music Therapists’ Standards of Clinical Practice, Music Therapists’ Code of Ethics)