Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.

Yes, there is a substantial amount of literature that exists to support the effectiveness of music therapy. Some places where you can locate literature from is on the America Music Therapy Association website, as well as, from the Journal Music Therapy.

That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy -- they do not. 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.

Please click her to view a list of differences between music therapist and other bedside musicians. Some of those differences include a music therapist requirement to receive a minimum of a bachelors degreee and complete a 6 month 40 hour internship. Music therapist also must complete a National standardized board certified examination, complete treatment planning and required to complete ongoing continue education credits. https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/TxMusicServicesAtAGlance_15.pdf.pdf