How does music therapy work?

Music therapy can be provided individually or in a group setting. The first thing the music therapist will do is conduct a thorough assessment focused on your child’s strengths and areas of need, as well as observe what instruments or aspects of music your child is naturally drawn to. The assessment process may take one to four weeks (one session per week), depending on your child’s needs. The therapist will then design a treatment plan based on the assessment, typically for six months to one year.

Here are some common music therapy interventions, according to the AMTA:

• Musical instruments played to meet fine and gross motor needs and/or social emotional goals
• Singing along with music to encourage vocalization and support communication goals
• Writing songs or music, or “jamming out,” to support self-expression and creativity
• Listening to music to decrease agitation and regulate emotions
• Engaging in computer-based music activities to practice technical and other skills
• Songs as a mnemonic device to learn academics
• Pairing music with movement and dance to increase range of motion, imitation skills, and self-regulation

Because everyone is different, there is no such thing as a typical music therapy session. Your child’s sessions will be designed and music activities selected based on their specific strengths, goals, and interests. Sessions may involve creating music, playing instruments, singing, moving to music, listening to music, or talking about music, depending on the child. The musical genres, styles, instruments, and activities used in sessions will all be tailored to your child’s needs and preferences.

Read more about music therapy in our article Music Therapy 101.