5 Music Therapy Myths
When I tell people I’m a board-certified music therapist, I often get one of two reactions: curiosity or confusion. Many people have heard of music therapy, but they’re not quite sure what it is. Or they have an idea that doesn’t quite match reality. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can keep people from trying a therapy that could genuinely help them. So let’s clear up five of the most common misconceptions.
Myth #1: “You Have to Be Musical.”
This is probably the biggest misconception of all.
You do not need to know how to sing, play an instrument, read music, or have any musical talent whatsoever to benefit from music therapy.
Think about it this way– you don’t have to be a chef to enjoy a good meal. And in the same way, you don’t have to be a musician to experience the emotional and therapeutic benefits of music.
Music therapy meets you exactly where you are. So whether your musical background consists of years in choir or simply turning up the radio during your commute, your experiences with music are valuable.
Myth #2: “Music Therapy Is Just Listening to Relaxing Music.”
While listening to music can certainly be relaxing, music therapy is much more than creating a calming playlist.
Music is used intentionally to help you reach specific therapeutic goals. So depending on your needs, we might explore meaningful song lyrics, create playlists that support emotional regulation, write songs, use music to process grief or trauma, or examine why certain songs continue to resonate with you.
The music isn’t the treatment by itself. It’s the tool we use within a therapeutic relationship to help you better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change.
Myth #3: “It’s Only for Children or Older Adults.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions! Music therapy is often associated with schools, hospitals, or nursing homes, but those are just a few of the many places music therapists work.
Adults of every age can benefit from music therapy. In my practice, I work with women navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, burnout, and the emotional challenges that often accompany midlife.
Music doesn’t stop being meaningful once we grow up. If anything, our relationship with music often becomes richer as it accumulates memories, milestones, and personal meaning throughout our lives.
Myth #4: “You’ll Have to Sing in Front of Someone.”
This fear keeps more people away than you might think.
The good news is simple: you are never forced to sing, perform, or play an instrument.
Music therapy is collaborative. Some clients enjoy singing. Others prefer discussing lyrics, listening to music, writing, creating playlists, or using music as a starting point for conversation. Every session is tailored to your comfort level, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
This isn’t a performance. There is no audience, no judging, and no expectation to “get it right.”
Myth #5: “Music Therapy Isn’t Real Therapy.”
Another very common misconception! Because music is enjoyable, some people assume music therapy is simply an activity rather than a clinical service.
But in reality, music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession provided by board-certified professionals with specialized education and clinical training. Sessions are designed around individualized treatment goals, just like other forms of therapy.
The music isn’t there for entertainment—it’s there because it can help people express emotions, improve coping skills, process difficult experiences, strengthen self-awareness, and support lasting emotional growth.
The Bottom Line
Music has a way of reaching places that words alone sometimes cannot. That’s why music therapy isn’t about musical ability—it’s about human experience.
If you’ve been curious about music therapy but one of these misconceptions has been holding you back, I hope you’ll reconsider. You don’t need talent. And you don’t need to perform. You don’t even need to know exactly where to begin.
You just need a willingness to explore your story. And sometimes, the right song is the perfect place to start.
