Music Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Currated By The Boomer Report
Q: What is music therapy?
A clinical, evidence-based health profession where a credentialed therapist uses music within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social goals. (American Music Therapy Association)
Q: Who is qualified to provide it?
Music therapists complete an AMTA-approved program, 1,200 clinical hours, and pass the CBMT exam to earn the MT-BC credential; recertification is every five years.
Q: Is music therapy covered by insurance or Medicare?
Coverage varies. Medicare recognizes music therapy under Partial Hospitalization Programs. some Medicaid waivers and private plans may cover it case-by-case. It is always best to check with your insurer before you begin therapy.
Q: Where does music therapy occur?
Hospitals, rehab, long-term care, hospice, schools, clinics, private practice, and at home. It can also include telehealth where appropriate.
Q:
Do I need musical talent to participate in music therapy?
No. Benefits do not require any prior musical ability.
Q: Is listening to a music playlist the same as music therapy?
No. Personal music can be helpful, but clinical music therapy requires an MT-BC who assesses, sets goals, and delivers treatment.
Q: What happens in a music therapy session?
Assessment, goal-setting, and tailored interventions such as singing, instrument play, movement, lyric discussion, guided listening, or songwriting.
Q: What kinds of goals can music therapy address?
Relaxation, mood regulation, communication, cognition, pain management, motor skills, social engagement, and quality of life.
Q: What are some of the conditions music therapy is used for?
Dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke/TBI, cancer care, mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, pain, and more.
Q: How can music therapy help older adults with dementia?
Evidence indicates improvements in depressive symptoms and behavioral outcomes; music can also support connection and engagement even in later stages. (Alzheimer’s Association)
Q: Does music therapy cure Alzheimer’s disease?
No. It can ease symptoms such as mood, engagement, behaviors, but it does not change disease progression.
Q: Can music therapy reduce agitation or anxiety in dementia patients?
Studies and care guidelines note reductions in agitation and improved behaviors with music-based interventions. (Alzheimer’s Association)
Q: What music therapy techniques are common with dementia?
Personalized playlists, reminiscence songs, gentle live music, lyric discussion, and rhythmic entrainment matched to the person’s preferences and abilities. (Alzheimer’s Association,
Cleveland Clinic)
Myth: Only one genre of music works.
False. All styles may be useful; therapists tailor music to individual preferences and goals.
Myth: It’s just entertainment.
False. It’s a research-based clinical service with assessment, goals, documentation, and outcomes.
Q: Can music therapy help with walking or balance in Parkinson’s disease?
Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), walking to a beat or music, can improve gait speed, stride length, balance, and daily function.
Q: Can music therapy help speech after stroke?
Melodic Intonation Therapy uses melody/rhythm to facilitate language; evidence suggests benefits for some with non-fluent aphasia.
Q: Is music therapy safe?
Generally, it’s low-risk. Therapists watch for triggers such as memories, sensory sensitivities and adjust volume/tempo/content accordingly.
Q: How many sessions of music therapy do people need?
The session length and number of sessions will depend on individual goals and the setting. Frequency and duration will be determined by the therapist and the client/caregiver.
Q:
Is there solid research behind music therapy?
Yes! AMTA journals and independent reviews document benefits in areas like depression in dementia and other outcomes.
Q: How do I find a qualified therapist?
You can use AMTA’s “Find a Music Therapist” and verify MT-BC status via CBMT. If you are looking for a music therapy provider in your local area, you might start with a local Google Search.
Q: Can sessions be done on Zoom or telehealth?
Yes, when appropriate. The AMTA advises that telehealth follow the same standards of practice and ethics as in-person care.
Q:
What’s the difference between “music therapy” and “therapeutic music?”
“Therapeutic music” may soothe, but music therapy is delivered by an certified music therapist, with assessment, goals, and documented outcomes.
Q:
Can family caregivers use music at home?
Yes! Personalized, preferred music can support mood and connection. A music therapist can help structure safe, effective use.
Q: Does the volume or tempo of the music therapy matter for older adults?
Yes. Therapists will adjust tempo, dynamics, and complexity to match sensory needs and therapeutic goals.
Q:
How is music therapy progress measured?
Through ongoing assessment and documentation that may include, but not limited to mood/pain scales, gait parameters, therapist observations/reports communication with treatment team, etc., which track progress towards and individual's treatment goals.
Q:
Is music therapy appropriate for people with late-stage dementia?
Yes. Individuals may still respond to rhythm or familiar melodies, enabling connection beyond words.
Q: Can music therapy help with pain or stress?
It is often used to reduce perceived pain and stress and to aid relaxation as part of broader care plans.
Q:
Is there a “best” song list for dementia?
There is no universal list. Music is often chosen for it’s personal meaning from the person’s youth/young adulthood and adjust based on response.
Q: Can music therapy be done in groups?
Yes. Group sessions support social connection and shared goals. Therapists will design groups to participant needs.
Q:
Is music therapy age-limited?
No. Benefits span from very young children in NICU to older adulthood.
Q: Can music therapy complement medications and rehab?
Yes. It is typically integrated with medical, rehab, or psychosocial treatments.
Q: Is “sound healing” the same as music therapy?
No. Music therapy is a regulated clinical practice by MT-BCs. Other sound-based practices are not equivalent clinical services.
