About Music Therapy

Many people aren’t quite sure what music therapy is or how it could benefit their child. Here are our answers to common questions about music therapy.

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is a well-established, research-based profession in which music is used in the accomplishment of therapeutic and educational goals. Music Therapy is used to improve cognitive, social, physical, psychological, or communication functioning.

According to the American Music Therapy Association:

Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

promote wellness
manage stress
alleviate pain
express feelings
enhance memory
improve communication
promote physical rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Assess emotional well being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through music responses.

Design music sessions for individuals and groups to meet individual treatment goals and objectives using:

music improvisation
receptive music listening
song writing
lyric discussion
music and imagery
music performance
learning through music

Plan, evaluate, and follow up on treatment as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Public and private schools
Early intervention programs
Hospitals
Rehabilitative facilities
Outpatient clinics
Day treatment centers
Adult and pediatric nursing facilities
Residences for individuals with developmental disabilities
Community mental health centers
Hospice programs
Wellness programs
Private practice

What Qualifications Do Music Therapists Have?

Education	A degree in Music Therapy from an academic program approved by the American Music Therapy Association
Internship	Successful completion of a 900-hour internship under the supervision of a qualified music therapist
Credential	Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) which requires successful completion of comprehensive exam and continuing music therapy education credits
Skills	Proficiency in piano, voice, and guitar Knowledgeable in music theory and composition
Clinical	Knowledge of special populations Trained in assessment, treatment planning and evaluation Fluent in major theories and models of therapy

Who Could be a Client for Music Therapy?

We work with individuals ranging in age from birth through adult and serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities such as:

Autism Spectrum Disorders
Neurobiological Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Williams Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome
Developmental Disabilities
Language and Communication Delays

What About Insurance?

At this time, Roman Music Therapy Services does not bill for third party reimbursement for Individual Sessions so as to maintain the confidentiality and client-centered treatment which is possible through private payment.

Can Music Therapy be on a Child’s IEP?

Yes, Music Therapy is an approved related service. It can be on a child’s IEP if it is found to be necessary for a child to make progress on his IEP goals and objectives. Click here to read more about Music Therapy and the IEP.