What makes music therapy effective?

As with most things in life, a willing partner can make a huge difference in how effective therapy can be. This is especially true for therapy, which often depends on how willing the client is to participate. Creative forms of therapy like music therapy can provide an outlet for clients who are less comfortable talking directly about their emotions.

Like all forms of therapy, the benefits gained from music therapy depend on the condition, symptoms, and goals of the client seeking it. Music therapy has been an organized and respected profession with accredited educational programs since 1950 – the oldest and most sustained in our state being here at OHIO , starting in 1951. Music has been long recognized as an effective form of therapy and tool to provide an outlet for emotion. After all, as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind.”

Music therapy is deeply rooted in scientific principles. At its core, it harnesses the power of music to stimulate various regions of the brain, facilitating emotional, cognitive, and physical healing. The brain's response to music involves complex neural networks that are activated during listening, performing, and creating music. This broad activation explains why music can evoke strong emotional responses and memories, providing a unique pathway to emotional processing and healing.

Research in neuroscience has shown that music can influence brain chemistry by releasing dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. These biochemical responses help to explain the therapeutic effects of music therapy on mood regulation and stress reduction. Additionally, functional MRI studies have demonstrated that music engages areas of the brain involved in attention, memory, and motor control, which underpins its effectiveness in addressing a variety of mental and physical health conditions.

Research shows that music therapy may help people improve their mental health . Emotionally, music therapy can help people relax, explore their emotions, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, ease stress levels, and regulate mood. There are also social benefits to music therapy including improved communication, speaking, language and social skills. Music therapy helps people strengthen their self-confidence and develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills.

Music therapy can help individuals navigate their feelings, offering a non-verbal outlet for expression. This is particularly helpful for clients who may find it challenging to articulate their emotions through traditional talk therapy. By engaging with music, individuals can explore their emotional landscape, identify and process feelings, and find relief from emotional distress. For those suffering from anxiety and depression, music therapy provides a soothing and engaging activity that can reduce symptoms and promote a sense of well-being.

And, the structured nature of music therapy sessions can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. For instance, creating or playing music requires focus and coordination, which can distract from negative thoughts and reduce anxiety. The process of making music also encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness, fostering a calm and focused state of mind.

Music therapy provides physical benefits as well. Some research indicates that music therapy can help reduce perceived levels of physical pain and improve physical coordination, motor functions, and movement. Overall, music therapy can really help improve a client’s quality of life.

Music therapy has significant applications in physical rehabilitation. Techniques such as rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) are used to improve motor functions in individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. RAS involves using the rhythmic aspects of music to retrain and enhance motor skills, facilitating smoother and more coordinated movements.

Music therapy can also aid in pain management . Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce the perception of pain and the need for pain medication. This is partly because music can serve as a distraction, diverting attention away from pain sensations. Moreover, the relaxation induced by music therapy can lower muscle tension and promote physical relaxation, which can alleviate pain and improve overall physical comfort.

Music therapy encompasses a variety of techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. One common approach is active music therapy, where clients engage in creating music through singing, playing instruments, or composing songs. This active participation can enhance self-expression, boost confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Another technique is receptive music therapy, where clients listen to music selected by the therapist to evoke specific emotions or memories. This can be particularly effective for relaxation, emotional processing, and cognitive stimulation. Improvisational music therapy allows clients to spontaneously create music, fostering creativity and enabling them to express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. Finally, guided imagery and music (GIM) involves listening to music while engaging in guided visualization exercises, which can deepen emotional exploration and promote relaxation.

Humans are musical creatures. We each have a rhythm to the way that we walk, the beat of our hearts, and a unique quality to our voice. Everybody has the potential to create and engage with music. When we engage with music by playing an instrument, singing, or even just listening to music, our brains are being lit up and activated on multiple levels. This response to music in the brain means that music therapy accesses all parts of the brain, which makes it an extremely effective method of therapy. Music therapy opens clients up to their more creative, expressive, and playful side. Methods of therapy like talk therapy don’t often tap into these attributes, which can turn music therapy into an empowering tool for clients.

Music therapy is adaptable to all age groups , making it a versatile tool in therapeutic settings. For children, music therapy can aid in developmental milestones, improve communication skills, and address behavioral issues. Interactive musical activities like singing, playing instruments, and movement to music can enhance motor skills, social interaction, and emotional expression in a fun and engaging manner.

In adolescents, music therapy can be a powerful outlet for self-expression and identity formation . Teenagers often use music to cope with the challenges of growing up, and music therapy can provide a structured and supportive environment for exploring their feelings and developing healthy coping mechanisms. For adults, music therapy can address a wide range of issues, from stress and anxiety to chronic pain and rehabilitation. In elderly populations, music therapy can improve cognitive function, enhance memory recall, and provide social interaction, especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Accessing clients' creative, playful side can make music therapy an especially empowering tool for therapists. And, music therapy sessions often foster a sense of community and belonging, as individuals come together to share their love and appreciation for music, creating a supportive environment conducive to healing and growth. The versatility and universal appeal of music make it a valuable therapeutic tool with the potential to positively impact individuals across a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.

To become a music therapist, one typically needs to complete a degree in music therapy from an accredited institution. This education includes coursework in psychology, music, and therapy techniques, as well as clinical training under the supervision of experienced professionals. After completing their degree, aspiring music therapists must pass a certification exam to become board-certified.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it ensures that therapists stay updated with the latest research and techniques. Music therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, and private practices.

Earning a music therapy degree at Ohio University, whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, provides a comprehensive education in music, psychology, and clinical practice. The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy prepares students with a robust curriculum that includes behavioral sciences, developmental psychology, and human biology, supplemented by six semesters of pre-internship clinical experience and a six-month internship.

For those pursuing a master’s degree, the program at OHIO offers advanced training that emphasizes research, clinical practice, and specialized knowledge to enhance therapeutic skills. Graduate students engage in in-depth study, clinical practice, and research, equipping them with the expertise needed to excel in various professional settings. Both programs are designed to cultivate skilled music therapists capable of making significant contributions to the lives of others.

What makes music therapy effective? At Ohio University, students learn to harness the transformative power of music to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. The integration of rigorous academic coursework, extensive clinical training, and research opportunities ensures that graduates are well-prepared to create personalized therapeutic interventions, making a real difference in the lives of those they serve. Learn more about these programs, the master's and the bachelor's .