How does music therapy use a person’s favorite music to support communication?

Music therapy utilizes a person’s favorite or familiar music as a powerful, accessible medium to facilitate communication and social skill development across various clinical needs.1

For children on the autism spectrum who may not respond to spoken language, music can capture their attention and serve as a bridge to interaction. Therapists may use familiar music or improvised musical dialogues—mirroring the turn-taking and repetition found in early caregiver-infant communication—to prompt vocalizations and social responses.1

In patients with dementia, music from a person’s youth is often deeply embedded in the brain. By accessing these familiar melodies, therapists can help patients recall positive memories, providing the comfort and motivation necessary to improve communication and assist with daily activities.1

Ultimately, music therapy is a clinical discipline that addresses nonmusical goals, such as speech and language, by tailoring the choice of music to the specific needs and preferences of the individual.12