About Music Therapy

Child Clapping Hands

What is music therapy?

Music Therapy is the use of music by a trained and board certified music therapist in the accomplishment of therapeutic aims: the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of mental and physical health.

Music Therapy is a systematic process of intervention wherein the therapist helps the client achieve behavioral, social, emotional, sensory, cognitive, communication, and physical goals and objectives using musical experiences and the relationships that develop through them as dynamic forces of change. It is valid and effective with persons who have functional deficits in any of the above goal areas. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible.

The ultimate goal of music therapy is to help clients achieve their full potential and enhance their quality of life. Because music is pervasive, flexible, and structured, music therapy can be used in several effective ways, and responses may be immediate and readily apparent.

Music Therapy Benefits

Benefits For Clients

  • Improved social and behavioral skills
  • Increased ability to concentrate
  • Stimulated thought processes
  • Improved ability to follow verbal and visual directions
  • Increased self-esteem & self-awareness
  • Increased expressive language skills
  • Increased receptive language skills
  • Improved gross and/or fine motor coordination and control
  • Decreased tactile and auditory defensiveness
  • Increased relaxation abilities
  • Increased emotional well-being
  • Increased creative abilities through music writing, improvisation, etc.
  • Increased academic knowledge and abilities
  • Increased musical knowledge and abilities
  • Co-therapy with OT, PT, Speech, Art, Psych, Educational Programs, etc.

    See Services to learn more about about what services McKee Music Therapy offers.