More Than Meets the Eye: What Music Therapy Really Looks Like

Just another music therapist advocating for my services!

(Note: I received my client’s consent to film and share this video.)

What You See

In this video, one of my clients is playing rhythm sticks to a song they chose themselves. Music is a strong motivator for this client, and we are currently working on gross motor rehabilitation, among other goal areas.

At first, I tried the intervention with myself holding a drum and the client using a mallet, but they preferred the sensory feedback of the sticks hitting together.

From the outside, here’s what you might notice:

• A therapist plays music on their phone.

• The client taps along with rhythm sticks to the beat.

What a Music Therapist Sees

As a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), my thought process looks much different. While facilitating this intervention, I’m continuously asking myself questions like:

• How does the client’s affect look? Are they engaged and enjoying this intervention?

• Are they able to keep pace with the song?

  • If yes → I can continue with my current prompting style.

  • If not → Do I need to add rhythmic prompting, more structure, or perhaps choose a slower song next time?

• Which specific motor motion am I targeting right now?

  • How long can the client sustain this movement?

  • What motion should I target next — crossing midline, alternating arms?

• Is the client compensating with other muscles to achieve the goal movement?

• Do they appear stronger or weaker on one side?

• Are they having a day where they can manage a challenge, or should I focus on strengths to set them up for success?

• What should I facilitate next?

  • A non-motor intervention to give them a break?

  • Or a continued motor activity with more cognitive focus?

The Bigger Picture

As you can see, there’s a big difference between what an intervention looks like from the outside and what’s happening clinically in the moment.

While it may appear simple, music therapists are carefully observing, adjusting, and aligning each session with functional goals. We are trained to look beyond the surface and consider multiple factors—motivation, motor planning, emotional state, cognition—while choosing or adapting interventions.

Why It Matters

Music therapy is so much more than “just playing music.” Every intervention is intentional, creative, and grounded in research to help clients meet their goals. Whether those goals are motor, cognitive, emotional, or social, music provides a powerful and engaging pathway to get there.

The results are proof: what looks like tapping along to music is actually progress toward rehabilitation, confidence, and independence.