What is Music Therapy?

The most frequent question we get as music therapists is what is music therapy? It is human nature to make sense of the world around us through connecting to what we already have knowledge of. Often when asked this question, people tell us they use “music therapy” daily to move their mood from sad to energized or to relax after a stressful day, and maybe you can relate. Most people understand the important role music has had in their development and will bring up a personally significant song.

Music TherapyAnna McChesneyJuly 21, 2020music therapy, music, wellbeing

Making Sense of MT and ASD by Megan Martin, MA, MT-BC

Music therapy has often been utilized with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But, why?

Music Therapy, Richmond VA, AutismMegan MartinMay 31, 2017Autism, music therapy

Lullabies

Video blog! Today I'm sharing with you all my process when I wrote a lullaby for my oldest daughter. Lullabies are wonderful tools for baby sleep! The process of writing a lullaby can seem daunting, but it's worth the effort. Lullabies provide an opportunity for bonding between parents and infants, help prepare babies for sleep, and provide a transition tool to help your child go to bed without difficulty.

Music Therapy, Richmond VAMegan MartinApril 26, 2017Music TherapyComment

Simple and Easy Ways to Improve Your Mood by Anna McChesney, MS, LPC, MT-BC

To ignore their feelings because it’s unpleasant or uncomfortable or that say they will deal with it later. While those are certainly an option of how to cope, there are many options to try that are easy, doable, and doesn't take much time and effort!

Music Therapy, Richmond VA, Wellness, MindfulnessMegan MartinMarch 23, 2017mood, music, counseling, self-help, music therapyComment

Coffee and Creativity by Megan Martin, MA, MT-BC

From the moment I wake with my coffee till I rest in the evening with my glass of wine, my creative brain is constantly working.

Music TherapyMegan MartinMarch 1, 2017Small Business, Music Therapy, Private Practice, CoffeeComment

A Boy and His Guitar by Sharon Baber

Stop by our house on any given day and you will, almost certainly, hear Johnny Cash or John Denver songs being played on a bright red guitar by our 19-year-old son, Joey. But there was a time when such a thing seemed all but impossible to us.

Music TherapyMegan MartinFebruary 22, 2017Autism, Music, Music Therapy, GuitarComment

The Undeniable Power of Music by Daneyelle Elder, MT-BC

Music just has a way of breaking down our walls that we have put up and affirming that we are not alone in the world.

Music TherapyMegan MartinFebruary 15, 2017Music, Music Therapy, Mental Health Comment

Growth as a Music Therapist: My Work in Juvenile Detention by Anna McChesney

I found that although I was in the leadership role with a plan, goals, and assessments in place to measure the kids learning, I was often learning and growing along side them.

Music TherapyMegan MartinFebruary 8, 2017Adolescents, Music Therapy, Juvenile Detention, Social and Emotional LearningComment

Singing to Remember by Megan Martin, MA, MT-BC

Music has the ability to transport us. To bring out feelings we didn't even know existed.

Music TherapyMegan MartinFebruary 1, 2017Music Therapy, Alzheimer's and Dementia, Singing Comment