Description
Currently in Washington, music therapists are eligible for state licensure. But on Thursday, Senate Bill 5214 was introduced and there is a new push in the legislature to change that.
Music therapy is defined by using music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a patient.
"Trained musicians use music in a functional, intentional way to meet therapeutic goals," said Carlene Brown, Professor of Music and Director of Music Therapy at Seattle Pacific University. "So it really does depend on the client."
Brown describes music as a "medium" when applied to clinical practice, and said it can be used to help patients of Multiple sclerosis, for example, or those suffering from other conditions affecting motor skills.