Music Therapy is an allied health service similar to occupational and physical therapy. It is an organized, client-centered program of music and music activities designed to restore, maintain, and/or facilitate positive changes in physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning that contribute to enhancing a person's quality of life.

A person needs no musical ability or formal background in music in order to benefit from music therapy.

Therapeutically directed live music experiences can provide:

• Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective.
• Awareness of self and environment, which accompanies increased attention to music.
• Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life.
• Positive changes in mood and emotional state.
• Sense of control over life through successful experiences.
• Anxiety and stress reduction.
• Opportunities to interact socially with others.
• Opportunities to enhance and extend the benefits of occupational and speech therapy.

For more information on Music Therapy, visit the web site of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).