Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)

Music therapy may be a new concept to you. We’ll answer some commonly asked questions here, but you can also find more information on the American Music Therapy Association’s website.

What is music therapy?

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”

Learn more about music therapy.

How does music therapy work?

In music therapy, a credentialed music therapist will first assess a person’s physical, emotional, and social functioning, as well as communication abilities and cognitive skills, through musical responses. Then the therapist will create sessions around each person’s or group’s specific needs.

More information about music therapy can be found here.

What is a typical music therapy session like?

There is really no such thing as a “typical” music therapy session since each session is tailored to a person’s individual needs. An example of a music therapy session might include guided body percussion to the rhythm of a song to help with movement challenges. To see some of our music therapists demonstrating how they work, view one of the videos on this site.

What kind of music is typically used in music therapy?

All music types have therapeutic potential, depending on how they’re used and for what purpose. Music therapy is highly individualized and the music that’s chosen should be too.

What credentials do music therapists have?

To be a practicing music therapist, you must be Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). This is earned by successfully completing a bachelor's degree in music therapy from an AMTA-approved program and a national exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Once certified, music therapists must complete continuing education or retake and pass the CBMT exam on an ongoing basis.

The music therapists on this site can be found here.

How can I find a music therapist?

To find a credentialed music therapist, you can visit the AMTA website and view their music therapist directory.

Is music therapy covered by insurance?

Contact your insurance carrier to find out about your coverage.

We hope you enjoy the videos on this site. Please just remember that they’re not a substitute for individualized sessions with a credentialed music therapist.