Music Therapy

Music therapy is the practice of employing music or sound in hospital and care settings to ease discomfort (physical, mental, or emotional) and soothe patients during stressful times. Music therapists vary in speciality. Performance-based practitioners sing or play instruments (including instruments created specifically for therapeutic use) to help elevate patients’ moods through long stays or painful procedures. They may also include patients in the music making for the creative and expressive benefits it provides. This route is especially good for performers and educators who believe in using music and the arts as service to others and want to help those going through frightening or challenging times.

Another type of music therapy is closer to physical therapy. These practitioners specialize in administering vibroacoustic therapies which utilize the percussive effects of low range frequencies to stimulate and relax the body.

Musicians who are passionate about medicine, helping others, and the importance of music and its benefits to others are excellent candidates for a profession in music therapy.