Music therapy, as defined by the Australian Music Therapy Association, is the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and well-being. Music therapy can address the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and cognitive needs of individuals within a therapeutic relationship. It is this focus on meeting therapeutic aims which distinguishes it from music performance. A music therapist is a trained professional who is capable of utilising various musical applications involving therapeutic practices.
Music therapy seeks to offer opportunities for self-expression and to optimise personal growth.