Music therapy is a research-based allied health profession. It is suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Registered music therapists (RMTs) work in private practice, health and hospitals, early childhood intervention, schools, community settings, aged care, disability, and mental health settings. We work alongside people with disability; mental health illnesses; ADHD; dementia; neurodegenerative conditions; stroke or brain injury; and autistic people.

RMTs use music as a therapeutic tool to support people to improve their quality of life in areas including:
Speech and communication.
Social skills.
Mood and emotion.
Physical function, gross and fine motor skills.
Cognition.
Behaviour.

Research shows that music therapy can help across a range of areas.

Mental health: reducing stress or anxiety; increasing motivation and energy; regulating moods; managing challenging behaviour.

Body movement and function: improving gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and physical independence.

Communication and speech: improving verbal and non-verbal communication; developing expressive and receptive language.

Social skills and identity: increasing social interaction and social communication skills; developing a sense of empowerment, purpose and agency.

Cognitive function: improving self-awareness and emotional self-regulation; supporting planning and problem solving; increasing attention and memory.

Registered music therapists (RMTs) have completed a certified university course in music therapy and are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). RMTs are skilled musicians and are also trained to understand the effects that music can have on a person’s behaviours, thoughts and feelings. We use our therapy training to deliver musical experiences that help people achieved their goals. RMTs undertake ongoing professional development to maintain and update their skills. There are currently almost 800 RMTs across Australia.