Music has a great influence on human behavior, as it offers a sensory experience that activates all areas of the brain almost simultaneously. Thanks to melodies, a series of processes are triggered that activate the entire brain and that directly affect cognitive and emotional capacities. Now, to get the most out of music and use it as therapy, it is necessary to have a music therapist. This professional is responsible, among other things, for using the benefits of music to apply them in education, well-being, and rehabilitation programs. So, if you want to know more about this professional profile, keep reading. In this post, we will tell you about the tasks they perform, their most valued skills in them, and more.
Read Also:10 best domain authority checker websites
Who is the music therapist?
First of all, you should know that music therapy is a therapy based on musical interventions to address emotional, cognitive, social, and even physical needs in people. Thus, music therapy improves communication, learning, expression, or movement of one or more people, since it can be applied both individually and in groups.
On the other hand, the music therapist is a professional who has the necessary knowledge to turn music into therapy. To do this, according to the needs of each person, he follows a process in which he uses music and its elements, such as instruments, melodies, rhythms, or sounds, as tools for working and improving the abilities of each person. Likewise, the music therapist uses different techniques adapted to each individual, such as the use of games in the case of children, to promote the process.
Benefits of music therapy
In addition to being a source of entertainment, music has great benefits for people’s physical and mental health. For example, it helps stimulate attention and imagination, as well as improve memory and the ability to express ourselves. It also helps us relax, improves coordination, and balance, and even serves as a learning path for children.
What functions does a music therapist perform?
As we have mentioned, the music therapy specialist helps people with difficulties, whether physical, mental, emotional, or communication, to express themselves, overcome problems, and increase their potential through music and all the elements that compose it.
Music therapists work with a wide variety of people of all ages, with those who benefit most from this therapy being those with physical or learning disabilities, as well as those with difficulties expressing themselves or with mental health problems, addiction, anger, or stress.
In his/her daily work, the music therapist is responsible for:
Assess emotional well-being, physical health, and cognitive and communication skills through musical responses.
Design music sessions according to the needs of each user.
Track the progress of each individual.
It is worth noting that, for the planning and design of musical therapies, the music therapist makes use of musical improvisation, listening, and song composition, as well as the union of music and images or activities that encourage interpretation and learning through melodies.
Career opportunities in music therapy
Music therapists usually work in a wide variety of settings, including senior centers and homes, day centers, and private health and mental health centers. They can also offer their services to associations or organizations dedicated to caring for people with disabilities, in rehabilitation centers or spaces for children’s leisure, learning, and development.
Read Also:10 the best domain authority checker websites
