When I give presentations about music therapy, I always love to leave a handout with my participants. There are many great examples of formal handouts from AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) for presentations to various kinds of facilities, advocating for adding music therapy to their programming. But what about presentations to elementary/middle school/high school/college students? Or more informal presentations, such as at career fairs or general interest forums?

Here is the information I include in my handouts when simpler is better.

WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?

Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.

~ Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• promote wellness
• manage stress
• alleviate pain
• express feelings
• enhance memory
• improve communication
• promote physical rehabilitation.

 ~ Populations Served:

• Elderly, Developmentally disabled, Mental health, Physically disabled, School-age children, Early childhood, Substance abuse, Sensory impaired, Neurologically impaired, Terminally ill

 ~ Visit www.musictherapy.org or www.swamta.com (or insert your regional association’s website here) to learn more about music therapy

For more information on music therapy, please contact (insert your name here) at (insert your e-mail here) or call (insert your phone number here).