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Every year, the Canadian Association of Music Therapists dedicates the entire month of March to spreading awareness of the benefits and practice of music therapy. This is in response to March 1st being internationally recognized as the observance known as World Music Therapy Day.

Music therapy is not simply playing music for a client or patient. It is a scientifically-proven methodology in psychology that utilizes music as a tool in the addressing of different cognitive, communicative, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of an individual (CAMT). Its intervention techniques vary according to one’s diagnosis, general condition and/or circumstances and needs. It may be combined with other therapy interventions, including but not limited to psychotherapy (talk therapy), speech therapy, and behavioural therapy. Clinical settings may include hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, correctional centres, community centres, schools, private practices, and more (CAMT).

As such, music therapy is an implemented practice in the treatment process of multiple populations:

• those who suffer from mental health issues, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, Clinical Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), etc.

• neurodiverse individuals, such as those on the Autism Spectrum and those with Down Syndrome, etc.

• people with learning disabilities like Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), etc.

• persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

• individuals living in palliative care, hospice, or critical care

• persons who have experienced a stroke, car accident, or other forms and causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• newborns

• those with hearing and/or visual impairments

• individuals with physical disabilities

• victims of abuse

• persons with a history of substance abuse

• and more…

Historically, music therapy has been practiced since the 18th century, as recorded by Columbian Magazine in a journal article entitled, “Music Physically Considered” (1789) (AMTA)–though some experts argue that even earlier examples can be found in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece (ScienceDirect). It wasn’t until the 20th century, however, that national associations, such as the previously mentioned Canadian Association of Music Therapists, started forming across North America, eventually leading to the pioneering of clinical professional programs of music therapy in universities.

Currently, recognized music therapy degree programs are offered in the following Canadian institutions:

• Capilano University (Vancouver, British Columbia)

• Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

• Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario)

• Concordia University (Montreal, Quebec)

• Acadia University (Wolfville, Nova Scotia)

More information about music therapy is being shared in Canada this month at public and private events held at the previously mentioned clinical settings. For people who are unable to attend these events, but are wanting to learn more about music therapy, such information can be found at the following resources:

• World Federation of Music Therapy

• World Congress of Music Therapy

• Canadian Association of Music Therapists (Association canadienne des musicothérapeutes)

• American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

• Certification Board for Music Therapists

• the above-mentioned recognized music therapy degree programs in Canada

• these AMTA-recognized American university websites

Had you heard of music therapy before reading this post? Have you ever experienced music therapy? Let me know in the comments below.

To learn about more Canadian holidays, including vocabulary related to these holidays, check out the Holidays link in the Tags section of our blog.

ATTRIBUTION

Thumbnail photo courtesy of Derek Truninger on Unsplash.