More than just the music…

Sometimes, music therapy is misunderstood.

I was thinking that perhaps the reason why the work that music therapists do is confusing may be due to the abundant complexity and depth that our roles demand. ⠀

At times, I get comments like “well, you just play music, right?” or “you’re just the music lady” which I reply with a kind response and make my attempt to briefly and concisely educate about what I really do.
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It is indeed hard to understand what we do and why we do it without careful consideration. And even personally, what happens during music therapy sessions between the client-therapist relationship amazes me.⠀

I have been a practicing music therapist for several years but how an individual may react during a music therapy session never ceases to fill me with wonder. Especially during initial visit, when I am getting to know the person and assess their needs, there are no expectations, and I think about how the session will go.

Recently, I completed my initial and only visit with a terminally ill client who, after listening to just 4 or 5 words of a song I was providing, his face brightened up, toes were tapping, and hands were clapping. The way his face lit up when the music started reminded me of a child when is opening a present, or the sun when it rises. Just bright.

It was difficult for him to talk & his speech was garbled, but it was very clear that he kept saying “thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…” I understood and was reminded that right there and then, this exchange of lyrics and rhythm was about more than just the music.

What is music therapy about then?

It’s about:⠀
•comfort⠀•presence⠀•making someone feel heard⠀•validation⠀•warmth⠀•connection⠀

•humaneness⠀•love⠀•empathy⠀•support⠀•kindness ⠀•joy⠀•fun⠀•relationship⠀•trust⠀

and more.

It’s 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 about more than 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 the music.