What are Some Music Therapy Activities?

Music therapy activities are much more varied than it seems.  Though it would be reasonable to think that music therapy would consist of music, the extent to which music can be used is far more expansive.  From lyrics to dance, musical backgrounds and song sharing, music therapy activities can be custom fit to the patient they are meant to help.  But learning more about each of these techniques can help patients and therapists get ahead of the problem and start getting to the solutions.

Using song lyrics is one of the more common music therapy activities in rehabilitative and counseling sessions.  By writing lyrics about difficult things in your life, you might be able to see connections and solutions to your own problems.  The therapists might have to rewrite the lyrics to a particular song you enjoy or to a song that you feel is similar to your feelings at the time.  You might also be asked to write lyrics to a song about the life you want to create for yourself – whether this is related to psychological or physical changes. 

Dancing to music is another way to encourage people to work through a number of problems.  In the physical therapy setting, dancing and moving to the music are music therapy activities that can bolster strength as well as moods.  By slowly working your way up to more strenuous activities, a patient can begin to feel more confident in their ability to move while also gaining strength and stamina along the way.  With upbeat music, it's easier for people to continue working out too as they can feel inspired by the tempo or the lyrics in the songs they choose.

Just playing soft music in the background of a therapeutic session can be considered one of the more positive and practical music therapy activities.  Every wonder why elevators always play soft and soothing music?  Because this helps people relax and not worry so much about the elevator malfunctioning.  On the opposite side of the music gamut, playing harder, louder and faster music can increase the heart rate and cause the person listening to make decisions more quickly than they should – that's why many stores play loud and penetrating music.

Therapists might also use music therapy activities that include sharing songs that the patient or the therapist feel are relevant to their discussions.  By taking time to share a song, the patient doesn't have to talk as much about what they feeling, letting the music speak for them.

There are many music therapy activities that can help the patient reach their goals and the therapist to communicate in a positive and successful way.