One of the most common misconceptions about music therapy is that the person receiving it needs to know all about music. I frequently tell people that “my job is to know the music; your job is to bring an open mind and a willingness to try something new!” Sometimes we listen to music together […]
Recently one of my clients said to me, “You know, I can sit at home and listen to music by myself. But it’s so much better when I do that here in your office with you.” So let’s unpack that a little bit and learn what makes music therapy different from simply listening to music– […]
The holiday season can be very stressful, especially this year with the pandemic. How can I deal with the stress in healthy ways? Since I’m asked some form of this question on a regular basis by clients, potential clients, and other helping professionals– I thought it might be useful to make a list of creative […]
In previous posts I’ve explained a little bit about what music therapy is, how it works, and who can benefit from services. In this post, I’ll address another question I get almost as often as those— why music therapy and not another kind of therapy? 1.) IT DOES A BODY GOOD. It’s true. Music has the ability […]
“CAN MUSIC THERAPY HELP PEOPLE DEAL WITH ANXIETY?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive about music therapy. And the answer is a resounding “yes, it can help with anxiety!” Here are the details (and a video!)– Research studies have shown that music therapy is effective at reducing muscle tension, decreasing anxiety, […]
How do I get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! It’s a joke that’s older than my grandmother, but the point is timeless. In order to accomplish anything, learn something new, become “good” at a job– we must practice the skills required for that task. A research study recently showed that it takes 10,000 hours of […]
Another question I get asked fairly often is how music (and music therapy) can help in coping with anxiety and stress. Many of us experience everyday stress on a regular basis, and using music can be an easy way to cope. Listening to relaxing music: ~lowers blood pressure ~returns heart rate to normal range ~slows […]
“Can music therapy help people deal with anxiety?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive about music therapy. And the answer is a resounding “yes!” Here are the details (and a video!)– Research studies have shown that music therapy is effective at reducing muscle tension, decreasing anxiety, and feelings of agitation. […]