Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Treatment includes creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.

Adapted piano lessons are typically taught by board-certified music therapists experienced in working with people who have special needs. Focused on establishing a solid foundation in music theory, ear training, and performance, therapists use adapted approaches and material to foster success. Examples of adapted approaches include: Utilizing sticker charts to encourage appropriate behavior, singing versus speaking directions, scheduling short breaks throughout lessons, and facing the piano and piano bench away from the audience during a performance. Examples of adapted material include: Providing simplified music arrangements, and covering pictures printed in music books to increase focus.

Since music therapists serve a wide variety of persons with many different types of needs there is no such thing as an overall typical session. Sessions are designed and music selected based on the individual client's treatment plan.

Some misconceptions about music therapy include that the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy -- they do not. Another misconception is that there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest -- this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient's life. The individual's preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

Persons who complete one of the approved college music therapy curricula (including an internship) are then eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists who successfully complete the independently administered examination hold the music therapist-board certified credential (MT-BC).

AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of music therapy.