Setting the Record Straight: What Music Therapy Is and Is Not
The following is a press release from The American Music Therapy Association.
To see the original article, go to musictherapy.org.
January 23, 2014—SILVER SPRING, MD— The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) supports music for all and applauds the efforts of individuals who share their music-making and time; we say the more music the better! But clinical music therapy is the only professional, research-based discipline that actively applies supportive science to the creative, emotional, and energizing experiences of music for health treatment and educational goals. Below are a few important facts about music therapy and the credentialed music therapists who practice it:
AMTA’s mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world. In consideration of the diversity of music used in healthcare, special education, and other settings, AMTA unequivocally recommends the unique knowledge and skill of board certified music therapists.
For more information on this topic please visit the American Music Therapy Association at www.musictherapy.org and click on the Research tab. To set up interviews with board certified music therapists please contact AMTA at (301)589-3300.
1. American Music Therapy Association
2. Brain injury:
Bradt, J., Magee, W.L., Dileo, C., Wheeler, B.L., & McGilloway, E. (2010). Music therapy for acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(7), doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006787.pub2.
3. Lessen effects of dementia:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/musicinstinct/blog/cognition/how-music-can-reach-the-silenced-brain/31/
4. Reduce asthma episodes:
http://respiratory-care-sleep-medicine.advanceweb.com/Article/The-Sound-of-Music-4.aspx
5. Reduce pain:
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2011/01/music_therapy_eases_patients_p.html
6. Improve speech in people with Autism:
http://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T@S/sliders/2012/lim.html
7. Improve sleep patterns and increase weight gain in premature infants:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/04/15/lullabies-other-music-may-help-sick-preemies/
8. Increase motor function in people with Parkinson’s:
http://www.themiamihurricane.com/2013/02/07/music-therapy-helps-tackle-parkinsons/
Clair, A. A., Lyons, K., & Hamburg, J. (2012). A feasibility study of the effects of music and movement on physical function, quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with Parkinson disease. Music and Medicine, 4 (1), 49-55.