What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Canadian Association for Music Therapy / Association de Musicothérapie du Canada Annual General Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia, May 6, 1994

Music therapists service individuals of various ages, abilities, and musical backgrounds in institutional, community and private practice settings.  Soundaffects Music Therapy services primarily pediatric clients aged 0 to 18.  Referrals for other populations may be made at info@soundaffects.ca.

What education does an Accredited Music Therapist have?

An Accredited Music Therapist (MTA), has attained a minimum four-year Bachelor of Music Therapy degree (BMT) approved by the Canadian Association of Music Therapy (CAMT), and sought accreditation from the CAMT by completing a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship, and a written portfolio about their music therapy philosophy, internship experience, and case study research. Following accreditation, MTAs must operate according to the ethical standards set by the CAMT and attain continuing education credits to maintain MTA status.

Where can I learn more about Music Therapy?

Music Therapy Association of Alberta

Music Therapy Association of British Columbia

Canadian Association for Music Therapy

Who may benefit from
SOUNDaffects Music Therapy services?

Children (age newborn to 18 years) of all abilities with goals related to:
  • Speech / Communication
  • Cognitive Skills (Educational goals, Life skills)
  • Motor Skills and Physical Health
  • Social Skills
  • Emotional / Mental Health

For example:

  • Speech and Language Disorders
  • Autism
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder
  • Developmental Delays
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Bereavement
  • Acute and Chronic Pain
  • Brain Injury
  • Palliative Care
  • Survivors of Trauma

Does a child need to be musical to benefit from music therapy?

No.  A child does not need to be musical or even like music to benefit from Music Therapy.  Sessions involve a variety of creative activities specifically developed to engage children with various interests and needs. 

Who may make a referral?

  • Parent/Guardian
  • Teacher and School Personnel
  • Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physio-therapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Behavior Strategist, Art Therapist, Play Therapist)
  • Medical or Naturalpathic Doctor

Is there research that supports the use of Music Therapy?

Yes.  There is research to support the use of music therapy with many populations. 

Some works will be referenced here:
          Professional Journals
          Selected Books
          Selected Articles
Should you desire information on a specific music therapy topic not referenced on these lists, please contact Soundaffects Music Therapy.