What is Music Therapy?

Formal music therapy was defined and first used by the United States War Department in 1945 to help military service members recovering in Army hospitals with occupational therapy, education, recreation and physical reconditioning. The American Music Therapy Association and Certification Board of Music Therapists (2021), define music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. A music therapist is an individual who has completed the education and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and who holds current board certification from The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).