The Difference Between Music Therapy and Music Interest Classes
Previously, we mentioned that music therapy is a professional, evidence-based clinical practice that uses music as a therapeutic tool. While many people recognize the therapeutic qualities of music and believe that participating in musical activities can be enriching, why would one need to pay extra for music therapy? There are numerous music programs that claim to have healing effects—so what sets music therapy apart?
Key Differences Between Music Therapy and Music Interest Classes
The primary distinction lies in their objectives. General music classes focus on teaching music-related skills such as music theory, musical expression, and instrumental techniques. In contrast, while music therapy may involve learning music, its core goal is non-musical—music serves as a medium to achieve specific therapeutic outcomes. A music therapist carefully observes the progress of their clients, conducts assessments, and adjusts strategies accordingly.
For example, in a typical guitar class, students learn playing techniques and music theory. However, in music therapy, learning the guitar might be aimed at improving hand coordination, enhancing focus, or building self-confidence. One case involved a 10-year-old child with special needs who struggled with low self-esteem and had difficulty forming social connections at school. Despite these challenges, he was highly interested in the guitar. Through music therapy, he learned basic chords and eventually developed the ability to play and sing independently. When his school’s music ensemble was recruiting, he volunteered to join as a guitarist—an experience that boosted his confidence and helped him connect with his peers. While a regular guitar teacher could also teach him how to play, a music therapist possesses expertise in special needs and emotional regulation, tailoring the learning process to the child’s unique circumstances while also addressing emotional challenges.
Another example is piano lessons. A standard piano course focuses on developing playing techniques, sight-reading, and performance preparation. However, in music therapy, playing the piano may be used to improve concentration, hand-eye coordination, brain development, and muscle control—or even to provide an outlet for emotional expression. Music therapy is not limited to individuals with specific abilities. One participant with severe physical disabilities had only three functional fingers on each hand, 30% vision, and cognitive impairments. Despite these challenges, she loved playing the piano. The music therapist designed special tools, such as large visual aids and color-coded markers, to help her participate while also training her hand-eye coordination. Additionally, through improvisation, she was able to express herself non-verbally.
The Importance of Professional Qualifications
Another crucial difference is the therapist’s professional credentials. In Australia, the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is the only recognized regulatory body for music therapy. A practicing music therapist must be registered with AMTA. More details about music therapist qualifications can be found in Issue No. 721 of our special feature.
It is worth noting that while most music therapists have a strong musical background, what truly sets them apart is their specialized training in working with individuals with diverse needs. This makes music therapy fundamentally different from regular music lessons. Parents seeking music therapy for their children should verify whether the therapist is an AMTA-registered member.
Additionally, under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, only AMTA-registered therapists are eligible to claim therapy-related expenses. If an unregistered individual claims therapy services under the NDIS, it is considered fraudulent and should be reported to the relevant authorities.
(This article was written originally in Chinese for online magazine Sameway Issue 724, It is translated to English with aid of ChatGPT)
