Getting Started


Practical Guidelines & Tips for Getting Started: 

  • Do some research on the different types of music techniques to get a sense of what might be most appropriate to use with your client based on interest and ability, along with your own understanding, comfort level, and resources. Things to consider:
    • Do you have access to musical instruments? Can you play them?
    • Are you more comfortable with listening to and discussing pre-recorded music or with singing, playing, or writing live music?
    • Are there any limitations to your therapeutic space? How loudly can you play music? Is the space conducive to moving around or for laying down during relaxation activities?

  • Familiarize yourself with popular contemporary songs (consult Top 20 lists!) as well as the ‘classics’ in a range of genres popular with adolescents like punk-rock, hip-hop, alternative rock, pop, indie pop, etc.  You don’t need to know every popular song in every genre, but it is helpful to have some familiarity across a wide range of genres.


  • Plan ahead! Prepare a number of songs and music activities for your initial music-based session with your client. You want to meet the client where they are at – don’t force a song or activity they are not interested in participating in.


  • Always practice the expressive arts tool or activity before you try it with your adolescent client

  • Make sure you are aware of any school policies that might effect what types of music you can play, sing, and/or create as well as the musical activities you are allowed to engage in.


  • Teenagers’ preferred music can act as both a mirror and a window to their life experience. A great way to kick off the session and build your relationship with the teen client is to simply ask, “What kind of music do you like?

    • Client’s music preference can also open the doors for discussion and understanding of one’s culture and background.
    • A great way to initially engage the adolescent client is to simply listen openly and non-judgmentally to their selected music. This typically lends itself to an insightful discussion.

  • Music therapy can be used in a number of ways:

    • as an entire session
    • as an adjunctive exercise to a session (i.e. homework between sessions)
    • as an opening or closing exercise/activity either in individual or group sessions

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