A question we often address as Music Therapists is that of what we do and how it makes us different from a volunteer musician. Music therapists and volunteer musicians may often seem like they are doing similar work. This is a common misconception. There are significant differences in training, repertoire, goals, and patient connection between music therapists and volunteers. It is also important in recognizing what music therapists do and the value they bring as a healthcare service. This will help differentiate which service one might be receiving.
Music therapist: Credentialed healthcare professional who has completed an approved music therapy program and uses clinical and evidence-based music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.
Musician volunteer: May offer music in any healthcare setting on a volunteer basis. Refers to any non-certified, non-music therapist individual offering music.
While many healthcare facilities benefit from volunteer musicians, a certified music therapist is trained and qualified to provide many more services. Depending on the setting, some of the interventions and services we provide may seem simply musical. For example, singing with a patient in a nursing home, or playing relaxing guitar melodies for someone who is in the hospital. Each of these scenarios can seem simple at first glance, but in reality, there is much thought and preparation put into even the simplest of musical interventions. When providing music therapy in any setting there are steps taken before music-based services are ever provided. A music therapist must have a referral, assessment, and documentation leading up to any music intervention. After carefully planning a session to meet specific needs/goals of the client, a music therapist will provide music-based interventions that meet those specific needs. Here are some examples of how we do this:
Referral & Assessment
The first step in music therapy process of determining needs of the patient. Some common symptoms that benefit from music therapy are anxiety, depression, drowsiness, restlessness, pain management, cognitive stimulation, spiritual support, family support, and more.
Documentation
This is important to track observed and measurable data for each patient. Without data, a music therapist has no evidence of progress in a patient’s areas of need. Goals have objectives to be measured during each session. These objectives should be met in order for clients to progress or maintain in a physical and/or psychological domain.
Why do we use this process?
It can be assumed that music is never harmful. Can’t any music be enjoyed? Won’t they be thankful to have a visitor entertain them? You don’t need to be trained to provide therapeutic music for people…etc.
While not all assumptions are wrong, it is still important to point out that music provided without proper knowledge or considerations can be harmful. It can be overstimulating, agitating, too sad, too happy, or completely meaningless/inappropriate to someone’s situation. Yes, there is power in music alone, but when it is paired with the proper considerations for the listener it is SO much more meaningful. This is great advice for any musician volunteering in a healthcare setting. Be mindful of your audience and what their sensitivities may be!
Music therapist are trained to provide a therapeutic experience using music as the tool based off of previous medical and personal knowledge of the patient. Music Volunteers perform their instrument and use their talent to engage the listener in hopes of providing a meaningful musical experience. Both of these are important. Music therapists encourage live music and informed volunteers in settings that we serve. We do not however encourage facilities to feel that they are meeting therapeutic needs without a music therapist. Volunteers do not replace music therapy, but they can certainly add to the many services a facility provides.
See the below list for comparisons:
| Service Offered | Music Therapist | Volunteer Musician |
| Provides live music for patients | X | X |
| Improves patient quality of life and wellbeing | X | X |
| Can enhance patient and family relationships with care team | X | X |
| Medically non-invasive | X | X |
| Primary focus is recreation, entertainment, & diversion | X | |
| Allied health profession recognized by NHPCO | X | |
| Education, clinical training, and board certification required to practice | X | |
| Conducts a comprehensive clinical assessment | X | |
| Develops, implements, and documents patient treatment goals | X | |
| Competent with all genres and multiple instruments | X | |
| Consistently utilizes patient-preferred music | X | |
| Addresses goals in Psychological, Psychosocial, and Spiritual domains | X | |
| Non-pharmoligical intervention for symptom management | X | |
| Measures and responds appropriately to adverse responses to music | X | |
| Overseen by National Organizations | X | |
| Adheres to best practice and evidence-based treatments | X | |
| Research demonstrated cost-effectiveness in health settings | X |