Image is of a djembe standing on the floor with an orange electric guitar leaning on it on the left side. A man in jeans and an orange flannel is holding the top of the guitar to help it balance.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is defined as the specific use of music by a certified practitioner within a therapeutic relationship to achieve treatment and wellness goals. A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) may use active music therapy techniques — like songwriting or improvisational instrument play — to improve possible goal areas related to self-expression and self-esteem, or they may use receptive techniques — such as song discussion or music assisted relaxation — to address possible goal areas related to pain management and emotional self-regulation.
Music therapists are uniquely trained and qualified to respond to any potentially harmful effects that music may have on the physical and mental well-being of the people they are working with and to shape musical experiences to ensure maximum participation, expression, and healing.
To learn more about music therapy, check out the following resources and websites:
Fleming Music Therapy believes in and affirms the intrinsic value of the lives of marginalized communities.
Black Lives Matter.
LGBTQ+ Lives Matter.
Disabled Lives Matter.
What would music therapy look like for me?
Our approach is humanistic, resource-oriented, and trauma-informed, meaning that we will work with you and your strength areas to tap into your intrinsic creativity and musicianship. You don’t need to be a musician to benefit from music therapy!
Our expertise in treating mental health concerns means that music therapy interventions will generally be creative and exploratory. Below is a non-comprehensive list of interventions offered to you as we work together to determine the best approach for your treatment needs:
Song Discussion
Music and Artistic Expression
Improvisational Instrument Play
Songwriting (includes transcribed lyrics and personal recording)
Guided Imagery and Music (GIM Level 1 — primarily meditation and visualization)
Music therapy in action
Below is a video of Kyle speaking at a 2016 PechaKucha event in Champaign-Urbana describing what music therapy is and how it is used in clinical practice.
(Content warning: descriptions of physical and sexual abuse, drug use, strong language)