Music Therapy Activities and Why They Are Helpful

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical practice in which trained music therapists use music and its parts to treat people's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs at all ages. Patients participate in music therapy activities such as singing, playing musical instruments, and making music to help them express themselves, enhance their communication skills, and manage stress.

Music therapy interventions can also involve techniques or approaches like lyric analysis, music games, and songwriting to help individuals engage with their emotions, improve mental health, and achieve therapeutic goals. Music therapists may use live and recorded music depending on the patient's needs. A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) tailors the therapy sessions to ensure they are effective and targeted, considering the various aspects of the patient's well-being, such as motor skills, sensory awareness, and emotional health.

Music therapy activities and exercises

Music therapy includes several activities and exercises to improve emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. The following are examples of music therapy activities that a music therapist could include in music therapy sessions:

1. Singing songs

Singing familiar and new songs can improve communication skills, promote self-expression, and help patients connect with their emotions. Children’s songs may engage younger patients, while more complex songs can enhance adult language development.

2. Playing musical instruments

Playing music on musical instruments like the guitar or piano can support motor skills and enhance sensory awareness. This activity is helpful for patients recovering from physical illness or injury, as it encourages movement and improves coordination.

3. Lyric analysis

Lyric analysis is a music therapy intervention that involves analyzing song lyrics to identify emotions and thoughts. It supports emotional growth and offers insight into mental health issues. Lyric analysis can be especially effective for individuals struggling with anxiety or stress.

4. Music games

Musical games, including musical chairs or rhythm exercises, promote social interaction and collaboration, especially in group settings. These games can improve communication, focus, and listening skills while having fun.

5. Creative expression through creating music

Creating music allows patients to explore and express their emotions freely. This can involve playing instruments, composing songs, or improvising with sounds, fostering creative expression and providing a safe outlet for feelings.

6. Dancing and movement

Dancing and movement exercises set to music help patients develop motor skills and improve coordination. They are also an effective way to release stress and promote relaxation, especially with relaxing music.

7. Listening to music

Listening to calming or energizing music can alter emotional states. In therapy, live music or recorded relaxing music is used to help patients enter a calm state, reduce stress, and improve focus. Music choice helps activate specific brain regions related to emotional regulation and relaxation.

Each music therapy activity allows patients to explore their emotions, improve communication, and enhance mental health. These interventions are tailored to the needs of individuals across age groups and can provide lasting benefits.

Music therapy worksheets

Music therapy worksheets are an essential component of music therapy. They complement the activities and exercises previously discussed and provide a structured and tangible approach to reinforcing the therapeutic concepts. Here are some examples that you can use during a music therapy session:

• Music Therapy Worksheet: These guides allow individuals to delve into the specifics of a piece of music, fostering mindfulness and a deeper understanding of musical elements.
• Songwriting templates: These provide a structure for individuals to create songs, facilitating emotional expression and creativity.
• Rhythm and melody worksheets: These sheets enhance music reading skills, contributing to cognitive development and musical proficiency.
• Reflection worksheets: These worksheets are used after a music therapy session to help individuals reflect on their experiences and the emotions stirred by the music.
• Music and movement worksheets: These guides pair music with physical movement, promoting motor skill development and physical coordination.

Like the activities and exercises, music therapy worksheets can be tailored to fit the individual's needs and therapeutic goals. They provide a concrete means for individuals to apply what they've learned in therapy sessions, deepening their connection to music and enhancing their therapeutic journey.

Benefits of music therapy

Music therapy presents many benefits that can significantly enhance one's quality of life. Below are some key advantages of this therapeutic approach:

Enhanced communication skills

Music therapy activities can foster non-verbal expression and help develop verbal communication skills, particularly in individuals with communication difficulties. Music therapists may use musical instruments and songs to improve children's and adults' interaction and language abilities.

Improved cognitive function

Playing rhythm games or instruments can enhance memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Techniques such as lyric analysis and music therapy interventions can stimulate brain regions associated with cognition and help patients improve focus and attention.

Emotional expression

Music therapy provides a safe medium for expressing complex emotions, aiding emotional understanding and growth. By singing, dancing, or creating music, patients can express themselves in ways that words may not fully allow, improving emotional insight and self-awareness.

Physical rehabilitation

Music therapy can support motor skills rehabilitation and improve physical coordination for those recovering from physical illness or injury. Playing a musical instrument, participating in movement-based activities, or using music to motivate exercise can assist with physical recovery and motor skills development.

Enhanced social skills

Group music therapy sessions can foster social interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Music therapy interventions such as music games promote teamwork, sharing, and interaction among patients of various age groups.

Stress and anxiety reduction

The calming nature of relaxing music and live music can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Music therapy can also encourage self-expression and focus, assisting individuals to enter a calm state and cope with anxiety.

Music therapy offers multifaceted benefits, reaching beyond the surface to touch on well-being's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects. Music therapy can make a beautiful difference in promoting mental health and overall wellness, whether used in a professional therapeutic setting or incorporated into daily routines.

Ideal times to engage in music therapy activities

The versatility of music therapy makes it applicable in a multitude of scenarios. Although this practice can be beneficial for anyone, there are specific situations where its impact can be significantly enhanced:

During stressful times

Participating in music therapy sessions with relaxing music can help individuals reduce stress and enter a calm state, especially in high-pressure situations such as before medical procedures or during heightened anxiety.

For skill development

These activities are excellent tools for improving social, cognitive, and motor skills, making them suitable for educational settings or rehabilitation programs.

To improve mental health

Music activities such as singing, playing, and creating music can help individuals manage mental health issues, improve communication skills, and promote self-expression. These activities can have a positive impact on mental health, particularly in patients dealing with anxiety or depression.

For emotional expression

When facing emotional challenges, music therapy provides a structured outlet for creative expression through singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments. These activities help individuals connect with their emotions and foster emotional growth.

For elder care

For older adults, especially those with dementia, music therapy can stimulate memories, reduce agitation, and improve overall mood.

Engaging in Music Therapy Activities at these times can help individuals address various aspects of their health, improve mental health, and achieve positive therapeutic outcomes.