Music Therapy is the use of music in a clinical setting to promote physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It has existed as a formal profession since 1950. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) promotes the therapeutic use of music in a variety of community settings, and continually works to maintain standards and procedures for the certification of music therapists. The Colorado Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) works to educate the public in Colorado about the benefits of music therapy. It also provides support and information to Colorado music therapists.

Board certification is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT), after successful completion of a) a rigorous academic and clinical training program, and b) a written objective national exam, demonstrating competency as an entry level professional. This credential must be renewed every five years by re-taking the exam or earning continuing education credits.

Music therapists provide services in a variety of settings:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Terminal illness
• Fragile-X Syndrome
• Down Syndrome
• Developmental disabilities
• Dementia
• Neurologic rehabilitation needss
• Special education needs
• Sensory integration dysfunction
• Speech & language delays

Goals and objectives for music therapy treatment may include:

• Increase desired or appropriate behaviors
• Increase mobility
• Improve gross and fine motor skills
• Decrease acute or chronic pain perception
• Improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Improve social skills
• Increase independence
• Development of leisure skills
• Relaxation
• Stress reduction
• Decrease stress level of medical staff and caregivers
• Create a final tangible product (song or instrument)

Music has a way of expressing things words cannot…
~Deforia Lane