MUSIC THERAPY IS described by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.  Sessions are conducted by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. MT is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  It improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.  More information is available by following provided links.

MUSIC THERAPY FUNCTIONS by incorporating music-based interventions into specific goals and objectives.  Each session is uniquely designed to target these goals of each individual, which are established jointly by the family and therapist.  Activities and interventions used during music therapy sessions may be shared with families so that they can be used in the child’s home environment.   Teaching music is not the primary goal of music therapy, although it certainly may be addressed through adaptive means or may come about as a byproduct of therapy; rather, during MT sessions, individuals are taught and learn through music.   And through such motivating interventions tailored to individual preferences and repetition, it is possible that responses and learning may be transferred into non-music settings. 

MUSIC THERAPY RESEARCH indicates the following about the use of music therapy and special needs, notably autism:

• People with diagnoses on the autism spectrum often show a heightened interest and response to music, making it an excellent therapeutic tool to work with them.
• Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.  Very often music therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills.
• Musical elements and structures provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks within this predictable but malleable framework.
• The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn-taking, listening and responding to another person are augmented in music therapy with children and adults with autism to accommodate and address their styles of communication.