In a world where healthcare continues to evolve, music therapy stands as a powerful yet often misunderstood profession. During a session, the therapist might engage clients in activities such as playing instruments, singing, songwriting, or listening to music, tailoring the approach to each person or group’s needs and abilities.

I sat down with Tracy Wagner, SCMT, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music serves as a therapeutic tool for people across all stages of life and various health conditions.

Michael: Tracy, thank you for joining me today. What kinds of goals can music therapy address?

Tracy: Thank you for having me, Michael. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. Here’s a fascinating fact: music is one of the only activities that activates, stimulates, and uses the entire brain. That’s why it can be so effective across such a wide range of conditions.

Michael: When people first hear the term “music therapy,” what questions typically come to mind?

Tracy: Most people are curious about what music therapy actually is and how it differs from simply listening to music for relaxation. Others wonder what kind of training is involved or whether it’s a legitimate healthcare profession. Some ask if you have to be musical to benefit from it, which you don’t!

Michael: Let’s start with the basics, then. How would you define music therapy?

Tracy: The American Music Therapy Association defines it as an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for people who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities and illnesses.

But I like to put it more simply: music therapy helps strengthen relationships, lengthen attention span, express difficult emotions, and even improve communication, speech, and language. We do it all with music, with an emphasis on creating as opposed to simply listening. That active participation is key.

Michael: You mentioned you’re an MT-BC. What does that certification entail?

Tracy: MT-BC stands for Board Certified Music Therapist. To earn this credential, I completed a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, followed by a six-month, 1,040-hour internship. After that, I had to pass a national exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. To maintain certification, we’re required to complete 100 continuing education credits every five years. Master’s and doctorate programs are also available, though they’re not required to practice.

Michael: That’s quite rigorous. Who oversees the profession?

Tracy: There are two main organizations. The American Music Therapy Association, or AMTA, is responsible for advancement, education, training, professional standards, and research. The Certification Board for Music Therapists, CBMT, handles certification and credentialing. Anyone can actually look up a music therapist on the CBMT website to verify their credentials, which provides an important layer of accountability.

Michael: Where do music therapists typically work?

Tracy: We work in diverse settings—hospitals, patient homes, schools, treatment facilities, and private practice. Really, anywhere people need therapeutic support.

Michael: Let’s talk about specific populations. How does music therapy help children with special needs?

Tracy: With special needs populations, including children with autism, Down syndrome, or developmental delays, we focus on goals like communication, social skills, fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation, cognitive development, and sensory integration. Music provides a non-threatening way to practice these skills in an engaging format.

Michael: What about older adults, particularly those with memory issues?

Tracy: Music therapy is incredibly powerful for older adults and those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We work on memory and reminiscence. You’d be amazed how someone who can’t remember what they had for breakfast can sing every word to a song from their youth. We also address socialization, motor coordination, emotional support, and can help reduce disruptive behaviors and agitation.

Michael: You also work in neurologic rehabilitation. Can you explain that?

Tracy: Absolutely. For patients recovering from stroke or dealing with other neurological conditions, we use techniques like music intonation therapy to help with speech and language recovery. We also work on sensorimotor development and cognitive function. Music can create new neural pathways, which is crucial in rehabilitation.

Michael: How does music therapy serve hospice and palliative care patients?

Tracy: In hospice and palliative care, music therapy addresses physical issues like pain management, spiritual needs, and psychosocial concerns. We help with bereavement needs and emotional needs such as anxiety, isolation, family cohesion, and maintaining a sense of autonomy and control. Music can provide comfort and dignity during life’s final chapter.

Michael: And in mental health settings?

Tracy: For mental health, we focus on improved coping skills, decreased anxiety and agitation, reduced depression, increased motivation, improved emotional state, and reduced muscle tension. Music gives people a safe outlet to express what words sometimes cannot.

Michael: This is fascinating work, Tracy. What would you want our readers to understand most about music therapy?

Tracy: I’d want them to know that music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession with rigorous training requirements and proven outcomes. It’s not just about entertainment or relaxation, though those can be components. It’s about using music intentionally to help people achieve specific therapeutic goals. Whether someone is recovering from a stroke, managing autism, living with dementia, or coping with anxiety, music therapy can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life.

To learn more about music therapy or to find a board-certified music therapist, visit the American Music Therapy Association at www.musictherapy.org or verify credentials at www.cbmt.org.

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Opinion: Music therapy