I recently read your article titled “Music therapy has wide range of medical benefits”. As a board certified music therapist, I was disheartened to find that the article was not actually about music therapy, but rather about the therapeutic uses of recorded music in medical settings.
To many it appears that the term “music therapy” could be used to describe all therapeutic uses of music, but in truth the term is solely used with the definition: Music Therapy is the clinical and 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.
Though it is appreciated that you did mention “music therapy is carried out by a trained music therapist”, the term “formal” music therapy was used inferring that without a trained MT it would be considered informal music therapy. Also the description of our scope of practice was limited “plays live or recorded music which often serves to slow the patient’s breathing”.
We work with a wide range of populations in various settings including: schools, hospitals, NICU, rehabilitation facilities, hospices, VA, and private practice to name a few. Also with more goals than just slow patient’s breathing. We are able to work on fine & gross motor skills, speech, emotional expression, reducing pain, reducing anxiety, increase communication, social skills, behavioral skills, and so much more.
I work as music therapist for VNA hospice, there is a full time music therapist at Lawnwood Medical Center, and we are also fortunate enough to have a past American Music Therapy present and established author Wanda B. Lathom-Radocy residing in Vero Beach. Any of us would be more than happy to talk with you about music therapy.
You can also refer to the national website www.musictherapy.org
As a field we are continuously advocating and educating. This letter is not sent in anger, but in hopes of an opportunity to educate the community on what is music therapy.
Sincerely,
Moreen Burkart MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapist
Vero Beach
