Music Therapy

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 program. (AMTA)

Music Therapy

What is music therapy? Generally, this is the first question we hear in our field of alternative health care. Music therapy, simply put, is the therapeutic use of music by a trained professional to achieve a desired effect or accomplish a personal goal or objective.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy is 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.”

Therapeutic Characteristics of Music

  • Music captivates and maintains attention.
  • Music structures time and is success oriented.
  • Music provides a safe place to practice social skills.
  • Music makes repetition and memorization enjoyable.
  • Music lets clients control their environment.
  • Music can create and emphasize a routine.
  • Music can reflect and adapt to each individual.
  • Music is moveable, portable and highly creative.

Testimonials

Listen to how impressed a professional psychologist who works with children is with MusicWorks and music therapy:

“As a child psychologist who evaluates children of all ages, backgrounds and diagnoses, music therapy is a wonderful therapeutic modality for so many of the kids I see. MusicWorks develops an individualized treatment plan for each of the children they accept into their program, which targets their particular areas of need. Music is a gateway for so many children to learning, engagement and development of skills including turn-taking, waiting, social interaction with adults and peers, listening, following directions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and so much more. MusicWorks also provides an opportunity for the child and parent to share an activity together within a therapeutic context. MusicWorks is wonderful, and I love referring our families to them!!”

Dr. Caroline B. Kohl, Psy.D.
 Licensed Psychologist, Elwyn Behavioral Health

Hear what parents of MusicWorks kids are saying:

“We are the parents of two daughters who have autism and are globally delayed. Part of their various disabilities include difficulties with interacting appropriately with their peers along with a lack of physical coordination. Upon walking into MusicWorks’ Hatboro location, we immediately fell in love with Jerry and Lori and their gentle, relational and knowledgeable approach to music therapy. Mr. Jake, the main therapist who treats our daughters, is fantastic with how he grants opportunities for the children and parents to interact during the sessions through various songs and dances. One dance specifically, the “Rhythm of the Scarves,” gives our children much-needed physical movement opportunities to twist and turn and follow various directions in a way that they truly enjoy. We could go on and on with how MusicWorks has improved our daughters’ lives.”

Crystal and Jordan
MusicWorks Parents

And a MusicWorks Mom expresses her delight with our program:

“Justin has been able to maintain focus more regularly. We’ve noticed over the past several months that the rhythm of the music helps him to concentrate more. We have noticed a great improvement in focus and attention in community settings. Justin is much more aware of scenarios. One of the best parts of music therapy is the prompting for Justin to talk to his peers, say the appropriate social comment and maintain eye contact. Because he gets a lot of practice in this area during music therapy, Justin can grasp the skills learned and practiced in music therapy and use them in his daily life.”

Cynthia
MusicWorks Parent