MUSIC THERAPY AND MEDICINE
“I certainly think that every institution should have its music therapy and its music therapists.”
- Oliver Sacks, MD, Neurologist
What Is Music Therapy?
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. It is an established health service similar to occupational therapy
and physical therapy and consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological,
cognitive and/or social functioning for patients of all ages. Because music therapy is a powerful and
non-invasive medium, unique outcomes are possible. In addition to its applications with hospital
patients, music therapy is used successfully with persons of all ages and disabilities.