The Beauty of Music Therapy

Used first as a means of healing and worship in ancient civilizations, music has always had a deep connection to humans, as it has evolved into the modern entertainment we listen to on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. While music is not only used for enjoyment, it is also used heavily in the healthcare industry, as music therapy has become a widely recognized practice and a versatile way to care for the well-being of all patients.

Music therapy is the use of music to better the lives of patients suffering from physical, mental, or emotional ailments. Whether it is a patient with a mental health need, someone recovering from physical injury, or a patient with a genetic disorder, music therapy can help a vast amount of people regardless of their musical ability.

A music therapist is required to have extensive knowledge in both the music and psychology fields. Upon receiving their college degree, the potential therapist must complete a six month internship and pass an exam by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, to become certified. Once this has been obtained, music therapists can work at a variety of facilities depending on their interests and passions, such as “hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, mental health agencies, schools …” (Dayton Children’s Hospital, 2022.) The diversity of music therapy’s applications opens the opportunity to support thousands of individuals with varying needs. allows a wide scope of individuals to get the therapy that they need to positively benefit their lives.

There are two types of music therapy sessions: receptive and creative. As stated by board certified music therapist, Dr. Annie Heidersheit, “Music therapy sessions are designed with a number of factors in mind, including the clients’ physical health, communication abilities, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and interests. After weighing these factors along with the treatment goals, the therapist decides to employ either the creative or receptive process” (University of Minnesota, 2023). The effectiveness of different types of sessions depends entirely on the patient and their needs, so it is the music therapist’s job to adapt these sessions based on the patient. Both types of sessions carry the same importance in terms of effectiveness, because that factor depends entirely on how it is uniquely perceived by the patient.

Receptive sessions are when a patient or patients have music played for them. Playing music can open up conversations about thoughts, ideas, or emotions that arise when listening to a certain piece. Think of when you listen to music. Think of a song or a lyric that reminds you of a person, place, time in your life, or other idea. Music therapy can help patients pinpoint these thoughts, feelings, and memories and make it easier to express them. Listening to music can also help patients to relax and ease their minds.

Creative sessions have a similar effect but are administered when the patient creates or produces music. This can be writing lyrics, playing an instrument, or composing a new piece. Many find it beneficial when patients have access to creative outlets like music to focus their energy and emotions into something that they can create and be proud of. Outside of music, this can include painting, drawing, writing, dancing, or any other healthy creative process you can think of. These outlets provide patients, especially those suffering from grief or trauma, wth a safe space to process and express their emotions. As we all know, emotions can often be hard to articulate or share, so creative mediums are a great alternative or stepping stone to opening up. It also provides many patients with a sense of purpose. For those whose careers or capabilities have been impacted by a traumatic event or injury, finding something that gives them fulfillment and pride is extremely important for their well-being.

While some may be skeptical, music therapy has been scientifically proven effective. For example, in a study conducted by Clearvue Health, it was found that 22% of patients struggling with depression responded to standard care, while 45% responded to standard care aided by music therapy after 20 sessions. Music therapy also proves highly effective in patients with dementia. In an article published by Medical New Today, Dr. Bethany Cook, PsyD, and a clinical psychologist and board certified music therapist discusses her experiences using music to unlock memories for those suffering from the illness. She finds that using songs from an individual's youth is very effective. “These foundational memories and songs are locked together in deeper vaults down windy mountain roads that dementia doesn’t seem to be able to fully crush. I’ve seen a person not recognize their spouse of 65 years but when I play their wedding song this individual turns to their spouse and they recognize them and dance.”

Student at UNC Charlotte performing music therapy with a patient.

Additionally, music has been known to release dopamine and endorphins in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that increases pleasure due to meeting certain needs like eating and sleeping, but also arises when someone listens to music. Endorphins are hormones that are known to increase feelings of euphoria and excitement and are widely regarded as pain relievers. Music therapists can also hone in on specific needs such as improving social skills through group therapy, improving motor skills with instruments, and reducing stress. Because music therapy can ease the mind, it can also help reduce the physical signs of anxiety. With the science to back it up, there is no doubt that music has very beneficial effects on both physical and mental health.

Because music therapy is growing in its reputability and is continuing to reach more people, becoming a music therapist is an increasingly viable career option, especially for those with a passion for music and helping people, and it’s not just in America. The European Music Therapy Confederation connects music therapists and associations all over the continent, and you can obtain a Master of Arts in music therapy from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, the first music therapy degree offered by an Asian university. Associations exist all over the globe as music therapy becomes utilized more and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2018 and 2022, the demand for music therapists increased by 17%, and is expected to continue to increase. In the United States alone, the demand doubled in the past five years. However, a study conducted by SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd. projects that there will be a shortage of over 185,000 music therapists across the globe by next year. This is due to the number of positions growing much faster than the number of people becoming qualified professionals, largely because, as more of a niche career, music therapy is not taught or advertised in introductory psychology or medical courses. Despite this, several colleges and universities in the U.S. offer programs for those interested in pursuing music therapy. In the Carolinas, schools with these undergraduate programs are Appalachian State, Eastern Carolina University, Queens University of Charlotte, Charleston Southern University, and Converse College. Other schools with similar programs include Purdue, Berklee, and New York University, just to name a few.

In conclusion, as music therapy becomes more utilized all around the globe, it’s important to keep in mind the undisputable benefits it has on all kinds of patients and the increasing demand for the therapists that can help so many people. Whether it’s reducing stress, helping people with different physical and emotional ailments, or just serving as a positive creative outlet, music therapy’s future in the healthcare industry is a bright one.

Music therapist at Dayton Children’s Hospital in Ohio using various instruments to connect with a young patient.

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