Music Therapy
"Just as certain music will nourish your physical body and your emotoinal layer, so other musical works will bring greater health to your mind."
Hal A. Lingerman
"Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music experiences by a credentialed graduate of a qualified music therapy program to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals" (working definition pending approval, American Music Therapy Association [AMTA] Standards of Clinical Practice, November, 2004)

We naturally use music everyday to motivate us, to relax us, to help us focus, and to distract us from pain. Music aids in the learning process by uniquely stimulating patterns in our brains. Music performance can boost our self-confidence, improve breathing and finger-dexterity, and provide a bonding experience for the performer and the audience. Music Therapists use music's positive effects in countless different ways. They systematically apply research-based techniques in order to affect physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. They might use a drum to help steady a person's walking. They might write songs or analyze lyrics to encourage selfexpression and decrease depression. A client may play a brass or wind intrument to improve lung capacity or facial muscle function. Music Therapists can help people of all ages at all functioning levels.