Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to first establish that the music therapist always begins with an assessment of the client's needs and preferences before commencing music therapy treatment. Where possible, the music therapist consults and works collaboratively with fellow allied health professionals such as the Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Therapist, in order to develop the optimal treatment plan, customised to the client’s needs. The music therapist then implements the plan to target the relevant domains of functioning. What is wonderful about music therapy is that non-musical goals can be addressed in a pleasant, fun, personally meaningful and social way. 

The music therapist skilfully uses the elements of music (rhythm, melody, timbre, dynamics, tempo) to encourage the client to participate actively. This means that beyond listening to music, the client can also play instruments, sing, suggest rhythmic and melodic motifs, and move to the music!

In essence, there is no “typical” session in the same way as there is no “typical” client. Each individual has unique therapeutic needs, and each music therapy plan is tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual. The music therapist always takes the client’s lead, always listening and supporting the client’s needs. That said, music therapy is typically rooted in active music making, i.e. singing, playing instruments, moving to the music, even composing a song. Other interventions may be more passive, i.e. require less “doing” or are less physically demanding, e.g. when the client has limited strength or energy. Receptive methods include listening, music-assisted imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises with live music entrained to the client’s needs. Song discussion and lyric substitution tasks would target a higher level of cognitive and language functioning.

It may be important to include a family member in the session, e.g. the parent, the sibling or the adult-child of an elderly client. It may even be crucial to have a few family members or close friends in the session, depending on the client’s needs, e.g. at the end of life, to say goodbye.

And, in case you were wondering if there are specific sound frequencies or binaural beats in music therapy sessions, I point you to “Sound Therapy” - a related discipline, which is different from music therapy.

No music background or training is necessary! The client should be receptive to music, or like music. While most respond positively to music, and have their preferred music genres and so on, not everyone will benefit from music therapy. There are some who might benefit from other types of therapy which are not sound-based, for example. The music therapist respects the choice and preference of the client.