Top 3 Music Therapy Myths I’ve Encountered as an Intern

Written by: Ashton Becks, MT Intern

I am now in the midst of my 5th month as a music therapy intern, and I’ve had the privilege of soaking up a ton of knowledge about the field. A part of this internship I don’t think I entirely expected is the amount of times I’ve been given opportunities to dispel misconceptions and advocate for music therapy. Sometimes, these myths have come from family members who have never heard of music therapy, and sometimes, these myths come from fellow musicians. From tabling events to elevator speeches, it has benefited me to be prepared to answer some questions and bust some common myths. So, here are the top 3 myths about music therapy I’ve encountered as an intern!

Music Therapy Intern, Ashton playing a guitar with a kazoo in his mouth while he and a client read along to a color-coded lyric sheet.

1. “Oh, I do music therapy all the time! I listen to sad songs when I’m sad and play my guitar for my friends to make them feel better.” 

These are in no particular order, but this one may be one of the more frequently stated. This one is tricky because, yes, music is very therapeutic, but music in and of itself is not therapy. This perspective misses the clinical goals and objectives, session plans, reports, assessments, and therapeutic relationship with an MT-BC. Some even claim their business provides music therapy since they are a music teacher or in a related music field, but it’s actually illegal to claim you provide music therapy services without being board certified…Yikes! This protects the field and honors the standard set by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)! So, yes, music therapy is much more scientific, personal, and specific than a playlist on Spotify created by AI or a campfire guitar song (though those things are great in the proper place).

2. “Do your clients just lay in a recliner and listen to you fingerpick on guitar to relax”. 

Well, no? Not really! This myth is similar to #2 I’d say: music can be characteristically relaxing, but music therapy as a field is so much more. This myth puts music therapy in a box when breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxations, guided imagery, etc, is really in the box of music therapy. These are a facet of how music therapy is implemented. Refer back to #1 with clinical process.

3. “I don’t think I could do music therapy. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!”.

 It may seem logical that if you aren’t a musician, then participating in a musical activity wouldn’t be beneficial for you, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! The reason why music therapy is so amazing is that it literally is for anyone: all ages, languages, races, locations, abilities, genders, you name it. Because of this, music is a conduit for therapeutic goals. Many clients actually have never touched an instrument before beginning services, yet they still benefit tremendously. Music therapy isn’t for everyone, but the myth lies in the confusion with music performance and achieving clinical goals with a board-certified music therapist. You don’t have to be John Mayer, you have a heart that has a BPM, and that’s a great place to start. Let a MT-BC facilitate the rest!

There are plenty more, so if you are curious and would like to continue learning about music therapy, here are a few links to some other websites who have compiled similar misconceptions: “Hitting the wrong note: Debunking myths about Music Therapy”, “Breaking down seven common music therapy myths”, “FAQ's - (AMTA)”. I have two big takeaways from learning about this, one for those who are learning about music therapy and those who are already practicing. For the learners: be curious and ask questions! A humble and empathetic posture when learning about anyone or anything you are unsure of is a great step 1. For the therapists, students, and advocates: provide a safe space and extend compassion. It’s easy when we’re so passionate about a field so beautiful, we can jump on defense and not show care and grace. I’m guilty! But, the best way to educate the world is to kindly give space and display our passion through care.