What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy
Music therapy is an allied health profession practiced by Registered Music Therapists (RMTs).
Music therapy supports people to use and participate in music to improve their functional ability, health and well-being.
People of all ages and abilities can benefit from music therapy. You do not need to have previous music experience or skill to participate in music therapy.
Music therapy is different to music entertainment or learning to play an instrument. Whilst many people use music in different recreational and therapeutic ways, a music therapist carefully plans, facilitates and evaluates music therapy programs with specific interventions that are intended to achieve better health and well-being outcomes.
Music therapy can enhance language and communication skills, support social interactions, build physical skills, improve memory, attention and cognition, reduce pain and stress, facilitate self-expression, and increase mood and self-esteem.
Music therapists work collaboratively with people with physical and neurological differences including people with Autism, Cerebral palsy, Developmental delay, Mental illness, Acquired brain injury, Dementia, and terminal illness.
Music therapy is an approved therapy funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Registered Music Therapists (RMTs)
Registered Music Therapists are trained to support people to participate in music in ways that positively impact brain function, behaviour, physical, social and cognitive processes, and emotions.
Registered Music Therapists in Australia complete a post-graduate degree in music therapy from an accredited university training course.
Registered Music Therapists are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). They must abide by the AMTA Code of Ethics and complete regular Continuing Professional Development activities to maintain their registration.
The Australian Music Therapy Association is a member organisation of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professionals (NASRHP).