What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical, evidence-based use of music to accomplish a variety of cognitive, affective, sensory, language, and motor goals.

Some examples include:

• Improving mood and self-expression

• Relieving physical pain

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Supporting motor development

• Stimulating cognitive functioning

• Improving communication

• Increasing attention

• Enhancing memory

Music touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain, and behavior. It’s moving, healing, energizing, inspiring—and it can help us overcome so many of the challenges that keep us from thriving.

For more information about music therapy and how it’s used in specific populations, explore the fact sheets and resources on the American Music Therapy Association website.

What do music therapists do?

Music therapists are credentialed professionals who have completed a music therapy program approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Music therapists, like me, are trained to:

• Assess a person’s emotional wellbeing, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.

• Design highly tailored music sessions to meet each client’s needs through techniques like music improvisation, receptive music listening, songwriting, music and imagery exercises, and other forms of musical engagement.

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, execution, evaluation, and follow-up in pursuit of the best possible outcomes for each client.

Who is qualified to practice music therapy?

A professional music therapist holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from one of over 80 AMTA-approved programs. Those who complete their degree, along with the required 1,200-hour internship, are eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

Those who successfully pass this examination earn the Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) credential.

You can learn more about the educational requirements for music therapists on the AMTA website.

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health challenges, development and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain—including mothers in labor—can all benefit from music therapy.

What are some common misconceptions about music therapy?

That a client must have natural music ability, that one particular style of music is more therapeutic than all the rest, that it’s not hard science—not true!

Every person, regardless of their age, ability, and comfort level as a musician, can benefit from sessions with a music therapist.

Is music therapy a reimbursable service?

Bloom Music Therapy does not accept health insurance—only private pay—but you are welcome to seek reimbursement from your health insurance provider or use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for services.

How do I schedule a session with you?

Start the process by booking an introductory call through the button at the top of this website. Or, if you’d prefer, you can email me at audrey@bloommusictherapy.co.