Introduction

There are several definitions for music therapy; the shortest runs thus: ‘…the planned use of music to reach nonmusical goals’. A longer definition describes music therapy as ‘… the planned use of music to improve the functioning in their environment of those with social, cognitive, emotional and/or physical disadvantage.’

Both of these indicate the nature of music therapy:

Tertiary educational programmes in music therapy are planned in accordance with the various principles outlined above, and involve both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Although some work in private practice in the community, music therapists commonly work as members of a team in a hospital, a clinic or in special education.

Music therapy differs from recreational music in the establishing of specific nonmusical goals. Thus in music therapy the music is not an end in itself but a means to an end. In recreational music there may be chance therapeutic benefits, as when a lonely individual finds friendship with members of a choir because of mutual interests, but these benefits are not the designated goal of the music activity. Music therapy, in contrast, has stated therapeutic goals for which the music is the facilitator.