Have you ever wondered why we do music therapy? What makes music therapy special or different from other types of therapies? We asked our therapists to answer these questions and discuss why music therapy can be such a powerful intervention for our clients.

“Music targets your brain in a different way than most things.”

Unlike other forms of cognitive stimulation, music bypasses traditional pathways by engaging emotional, sensory, and motor centers all at once. The rhythm and melody can spark memories, improve focus, or even aid in physical rehabilitation by synchronizing movements to a steady beat. Music therapy can tap into the brain’s plasticity and ability to adapt and truly target the brain differently.

“Music is one of the only activities we have that is a whole brain activity, versus one hemisphere.”

A 2007 study found that “music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions, and updating the event in memory.” The left hemisphere of the brain interprets rhythm and structure, while the right hemisphere of the brain engages with melody and emotional nuance. In an article published in the magazine of the University of Central Florida, neuroscientist Kiminobu Sugaya and violinist Ayako Yonetani explain that music engages all parts of the brain, including the corpus callosum, which is what helps the left and right hemispheres communicate with each other and allow for coordinated body movements and thoughts that utilize both logic and intuition.

“Music and emotions are very integrally related, so it’s a very emotionally evoking experience. It can be related to a lot of spiritual experiences, even if you’re not necessarily religious.”

Music’s inherent connection to emotions allows it to evoke powerful feelings, and within music therapy, a safe space for clients to explore and process those emotions can be created. In a similar vein, another one of our therapists noted that music therapy can be a more approachable way for our clients to address their emotions, versus a traditional talk therapy model. A major component of this comfortability lies within the therapeutic relationship developed between client and therapist, and the power of music created together in sessions.

“Music therapy is very approachable. Therapy can be a heavy hitter for a lot of people, and so coming at it from a music lens makes it more approachable.”

Especially for music therapists that practice from a person-centered approach, the collaborative process between the therapist and the client to express the client’s thoughts and emotions is reflected in the music they create together. Providing a space where the client has control over what songs, instruments, and more are used within the session gives the client the opportunity to discover what they want and advocate for themselves.

“Person-centered music therapy is really beneficial, especially in the medical field where it’s usually the doctors dictating what’s going to happen. Music therapy lets you be in control of your own health and progress.”

Music therapy empowers individuals to take control of their health and progress. Music therapy can foster personal empowerment and meaningful connections, both between a therapist and the client or within a group music therapy session with peers that have had similar experiences.

“The interactive components of music and the ability to foster connections with people, either one on one with the therapist or in a group setting, provide a unique experience for clients.”

This sense of connection enhances the therapeutic experience, allowing individuals to feel supported, understood, and motivated as they work towards their goals in an environment that prioritizes their needs and contributions.

All in all, music therapy’s contribution to a person’s health is distinctive because of the way it taps into the brain’s natural affinity for musical components like rhythm and melody while encouraging participants to take an active role in their care.

So, what do you think? What makes music therapy unique? Have you had experiences as a client or as a music therapist that have shown you the additional benefits of music therapy?

References:

Baker, M. (2007). Music moves brain to pay attention, Stanford study finds. Stanford Medicine.

Kaur, G. (2023). The world of music and its relation to studying and concentrating. Medium.

University of Central Florida. (2017). Your brain on music. Pegasus.