Why do music therapists study psychology, biology, and neurology?

Music therapists study psychology, biology, and neurology to ensure they can deliver optimal, evidence-based services to their patients.1

Because music has powerful effects on the human brain, this interdisciplinary training allows therapists to understand how sound waves are processed into multidimensional emotional and cognitive experiences. Specifically:12

• Neurology: Understanding neural pathways—such as how the motor cortex processes rhythm or how language centers decode lyrics—enables therapists to use music for neurorehabilitation and the recovery of cognitive or sensorimotor functions.12
• Biology: Knowledge of biological responses, such as the release of dopamine or the reduction of cortisol, helps therapists use music to calm the nervous system and manage physical stress.12
• Psychology: Since music therapy is a clinical relationship, psychological training helps therapists address nonmusical goals, such as mental health, memory recall in patients with dementia, and social skill development in children with autism.1