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What is music therapy?

The Australian Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as as: "a research-based allied health profession in which music is used to actively support people as they aim to improve their health, functioning and well-being." 

In Australia, music therapy is practiced by Registered Music Therapists who have tertiary training in how music can make changes to people's experiences, and how to use music therapeutically. RMTs are trained to develop individualised programs, so they base their sessions on the person they are working with.

Here are some reasons that people with disabilities come to music therapy:

• To support a functional aspect of their life 

• To have an accessible creative or sensory experience

• To support development (social, emotional, communication, physical, cognitive) 

• To enhance their daily life

• To meet NDIS goals

For more information on music therapy, visit the Australian Music Therapy Association website: www.austmta.org.au

For evidence specifically pertaining to disability and music therapy, click here: AMTA 2024 Evidence Summary 

What happens in music therapy?

First, the music therapist makes an assessment, covering all developmental domains, to determine if and how music therapy can support the participant/s. The participant/s and therapist work together to understand what the goals are for therapy. Sometimes this will involve many sessions, other times therapy is short-term, or the therapist might provide the participant with resources they can use elsewhere. Ongoing sessions can involve playing instruments, writing songs, singing or voicework, live music played by the therapist, or listening to music together. There are lots of possibilities, and the therapist and participant decide together what will be most helpful.