There are several reasons why music is such a powerful, unique, and effective therapeutic medium:

There is a biological basis for music. 

We, as humans, are hard-wired to create and perceive music. When participating in a music-based experience, scans show our brain is engaged and changed. This is one of the few abilities humans have that is not necessary for survival.

There is an evolutionary basis for music. 

A mother singing to her baby is a natural experience that has occurred for millions of years. This process helps strengthen the bonding experience between mother and child, helps express emotional information, and assist in regulating (e.g. calming) the babe.

Listening to music produces physiologic changes. 

Humans can involuntarily experience a variety of physiologic responses when perceiving music. These include physical responses (e.g. laughter, tears), “shivers” down the spine, respiratory changes (e.g. holding your breath), and changes in heart rate.

Music elicits emotional responses. 

Brain scans show that music activates the same cortical, subcortical, and autonomic systems as other emotions. In other words, music makes us feel, even without any overt action on our part.

Music evokes memories. 

Listening to music can take us back to familiar times, people, and places. The neural pathways connecting our auditory system to our memory system includes some of the oldest and most primitive brain structures. The only sense more primitive and more powerful? Smell.

Attention functions can be improved through music. 

Different musical components (e.g. pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, etc.) can cue behavioral responses that are needed to practice different aspects of attention. Additionally, the act of producing or perceiving music helps one maintain focus for an extended period of time.

Creating music uses executive function skills. 

The process of producing music, whether via composition or improvisation, requires the use of executive function skill. These include planning, decision-making, organizing, goal-setting, and adapting behaviors.

Rhythm in music coordinates and enhances motor movement. 

Rhythm stimulates both primary and secondary motor pathways, which causes our motor system to entrain to rhythm. This explains why we unconsciously walk to the “beat” of music.

Music is noninvasive and motivating. 

Music therapy can be referred to as “sneak” therapy because the client often does not realize they are doing any therapeutic work during treatment.