Every year on March 1st, World Music Therapy Day shines a light on music therapists worldwide. The day also showcases how music provides a way to make life better and more fulfilling.

Many people refer to music as a universal language. Music therapy is rooted in the healing effect it has on human beings. Music therapy has proven to be an effective way to address physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children, seniors, and people with disabilities. People with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and many other types of disabilities see benefits of receiving music therapy.

Music therapy often includes singing, listening to music, creating music, moving to music, and using instruments.

Research proves that music therapy is effective for:

• Promoting movement
• Providing ways to communicate
• Providing ways to express feelings

Music therapists provide this type of therapy. Music therapists need a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited school in the United States. They must also have 1,200 hours of clinical training. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), there are 8,000 music therapists in the United States. Other countries also have music therapy associations around the world, including Argentina, England, France, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, India, Japan, and Spain.

Since music is portable, music therapists provide their services in a variety of environments. They go to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and even a client’s home. The success of music therapy allows some schools to implement music therapy in their special education programs. Music helps children in special education develop rhythm and motor skills as well as increase memorization skills. It also promotes children to behave appropriately and offers a distraction from discomfort and anxiety.