What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the use of sounds and music within an evolving relationship between client and therapist to support and develop physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

The ability to respond to music is usually unaffected by disability, illness or injury. Music is able to provide an alternative means of self expression and communication, particularly where fluent speech and language are missing.

Music therapy and dementia

Music therapy is now well established and researched as an effective way of reaching the elderly who are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as dementia.

Often people with dementia have shown that they still have complex cognitive abilities, for example to create musical phrases on instruments, but they are unable to perform more simple actions.

By offering regular music therapy sessions, music therapists are able to address isolation, confusion and loss, and encourage creativity and interaction, through the informed use of music.

Music therapists are skilled and trained musicians who have successfully completed an approved post graduate training course. Practitioners adhere to ethical codes of practice as specified by The Association of Professional Music Therapists.

Music therapy is a state registered profession. All music therapists are registered with The Health Professions Council in order to practice in the UK.