-- Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev)

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, and social functioning of individuals with health, emotional, or educational problems.  It is used successfully with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain.

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.  They participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow-up.

Music is a universal phenomenon spanning all cultures, and is the most social of the arts.  References to the healing power of music can be found as far back as the writings of Plato and Aristotle.  The earliest known reference to music therapy in the United States was in 1789 in an article in the Columbia Magazine titled “Music Physically Considered.”  Scientific and anecdotal validation occurred through the 19^th century and up to the 1940s, when it finally became accepted as a treatment modality in many hospitals, due in great part to the support of eminent psychiatrists like Karl Menninger.  Clinics and hospitals began sponsoring scientific research in music therapy and documenting its efficacy.  Music therapy was widely used with veterans of the World Wars at rehabilitation facilities such as the Walter Reed Hospital in New York.

The first music therapy degree program was founded in 1944 at the University of Michigan.  The National Association of Music Therapy (now the American Music Therapy Association) was formed in 1950, founding a constitution, setting professional goals, developing membership categories, and appointing a standing committee for research.  Shortly thereafter, curriculum requirements, clinical training requirements, and standards and procedures for certification were established. Training to become a Music Therapist includes the intensive study not only of music performance and theory, but also psychology, anatomy and physiology, and specific uses of music in a wide variety of settings.  Both academic and practical (supervised practicum and internship) training are a part of the curriculum.

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--  Barbara Crowe (past president of AMTA)

 --  Oliver Sacks, M.D.

I came to music therapy later in life, after many years as a performing and recording artist and composer, seeking a way of sharing and giving back.  In 1996, after completing the Music Therapy program at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and a six-month internship on the geropsychology unit at the Oregon State Hospital (where “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was filmed), I became a registered music therapist.  My focus as a music therapist has been with the elderly in institutional, nursing home, and adult day-care settings.  Many of the men and women I work with have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of senile dementia.  A number have suffered strokes and have difficulty speaking or with movement.  Others are profoundly depressed because of their social isolation and feelings of worthlessness at the end of their lives, or because of chronic disability and pain.  As a group, these are some of the most marginalized individuals in our society, who still have a wealth of experience and wisdom to offer and life to celebrate.

Music is the most powerful catalyst, bringing people together, breaking through isolation and generating positive social energy.   I work with both individuals and groups, and have found that using their preferred music is the key to success.  In my 5 years as a music therapist I have collected hundreds of American folk and popular songs dating from the 1790s to the 1950s.  There’s something for everyone, and it is truly amazing to see people come alive as their favorite songs are played and sung.  They remember not only the words, but what was happening in their lives at the time – important events.  In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, musical memories and associations are some of the last to remain.

 It is deeply gratifying to be able to give something back to this civic-spirited generation that has lived through multiple wars, the great depression, and the unimaginable changes that occurred throughout the 20^th century.

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For more information regarding Music Therapy check out the website of the American Music Therapy Association at:

musictherapy.org