Frequently Asked Questions

• What is music therapy?
• What is "MT-BC?"
• With whom do you work?
• How is music therapy different from music education?
• Do your clients need to have a background in music?
• Is the use of music therapy supported by research?
• Are there any articles I can read about music therapy?

"Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain their health. In some instances, the client's needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist."
- The American Music Therapy Association

"MT-BC" stands for "Music Therapist - Board Certified." Professionals are credentialed by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). A board-certified music therapist:

• Has completed a minimum of 4 years at a recognized university.
• Has completed minimum of 6 months in an internship training program.
• Has passed the Board Certification Examination.
• Participates in a re-certification program, demonstrating continuing competence.

Abigail Yeh specializes in work with children and adolescents with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, through the use of Child-Centered Music Therapy. She also has experience working with individuals with mental health needs and adults with developmental disabilities.

A music therapist's goals are different from a music educator's. During a lesson in music education, the main goal is to learn an instrument, or a piece of music. In music therapy, the process of making music and being in the music is what is important. The music therapist uses the process of music-making to work on other non-musical goals, such as increasing attention span, developing arm flexibility, improving language skills, helping to develop self-esteem, etc. Music therapists are also skilled at making music fun and successful for individuals whose disabilities and needs may keep them from being musically successful in other environments.

No. Clients don't need to have any musical experience to benefit from music therapy. The client uses instruments with which they can be successful, regardless of skill.

Yes. As an established health profession, music therapists have conducted extensive research on the use of music therapy. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) publishes two peer-reviewed journals, Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives, exhibiting a strong research base. Other professions also regularly publish research on music therapy.

There are a number of articles about music therapy. Here are a few:

• "Songs of Healing, Rhythms of Life." Article from Newsday, May 17, 2005.
• "Allied Health Profession of the Month - Music Therapy"
• "Child-Centered Music Therapy: Using Music to Change the Lives of Children with Special Needs," by Abigail Yeh

The American Music Therapy Association also has links to articles and information.