AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of 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-such is not the case. Healthy individuals can use music for stress reduction via active music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation.
Music is often a vital support for physical exercise.
Music therapy assisted labor and delivery may also be included in this category since pregnancy is regarded as a normal part of women's life cycles. The sensory and intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person's quality of life. Music therapists are often hired in schools to provide music therapy services listed on the Individualized Education Plan for mainstreamed special learners. Music learning is used to strengthen nonmusical areas such as communication skills and physical coordination skills which are important for daily life. The American Music Therapy Association is the largest professional association which represents over 5,000 music therapists, corporate members and related associations worldwide.