What Is Music Therapy?
The positive effects of music are widely recognized! From listening, to playing, to creating, and beyond, music is a cornerstone of the human experience and helps us express our emotions and experiences, to bond, and to join together! But what separates the joys and benefits of music from the practice of "music therapy"? If music is "therapeutic," doesn't that mean that all music is "music therapy"? Actually, according to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is "the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals." So while all music might bring us joy or allow us to exercise our creativity in a way that has positive effects on our mental health, music therapy itself is a specific practice designed to address a variety of underlying health and medical goals through the lens of music.
What Are Private Music Lessons?
Private music lessons are one-on-one lessons that are designed to help someone acquire musical knowledge! Lessons may cover a diverse range of topics ranging from being able to play their instrument, to basic music theory, to songwriting and composition, to performance techniques, and beyond, but ultimately, it's about learning how to play music.
What's The Difference?
One of the primary ways that music therapy and private lessons differ is their ultimate aim: Music therapy is designed to address underlying goals through the use of music and musical concepts, whereas private lessons are designed to teach the student how to play music. However, there are a variety of other important differences to take into account -- as well as some things they have in common!
Which Is Right For You?
When deciding if music lessons or music therapy is right for you, it's important to keep in mind both your ultimate goals and your capabilities! Music therapy may be the right choice for a student who would benefit from a program that fundamentally provides therapy through the lens of music or if a student requires additional physical accommodations that are more commonly found in a specialist's office. Private music lessons may likely be the right choice for a student whose ultimate goal is to learn how to play or improve in a specific instrument.
However, each student is an individual, with unique goals, desires, capabilities, and needs. The beauty and benefits of music are for everyone to enjoy and there are numerous ways to incorporate music into your life no matter who you are or what you choose to do. Finding the right program is ultimately about making the most joyful and beneficial choice for each student!
Expressions Music Academy does not offer music therapy. We exclusively offer private music lessons. Although private music lessons are customizable and flexible to fit the learning needs of each student, they do not provide the structured framework that music therapy does. If you're unsure if private lessons at Expressions is right for you, we are always happy to discuss what we do and do not offer and help provide information to help you make an educated decision!