Music Therapy for Seniors

Music Therapy for Seniors: Benefits & Resources (retireguide.com)

"Music therapy is helpful and is one of the 3rd leading complimentary and alternative therapy provided in conjunction with hospice care"- retireguide.com

"62% of hospice and home health services offered music therapy"

"Medicare can cover music therapy in some circumstances, yet it depends on insurance companies on a case by case basis as well as if it is designated as a mental health treatment"

Benefits of Music Therapy:

Goals of Music Therapy

• Strengthen memory and focus

• Calm agitation in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients

• Help ease depression and stress

• Increase movement and exercise

• Enhance communication skills

• Encourage socialization

Written by Christian Simmons Edited By Lamia Chowdhury

Reviewed By Bart Astor

Published: February 9, 2023

Updated: May 23, 2023

11 min read time

This page features 11 Cited Research Articles

Please Visit this website to learn more: Music Therapy for Seniors: Benefits & Resources (retireguide.com)

Music In Vancouver, WA & Nearby Colleges

• Check out this website (click on link below to see what upcoming music events are happening in this area!)

Music & Performing Arts in Vancouver, WA | Find a Concert (visitvancouverwa.com)

• The Columbian contains live events to check out as well:

Upcoming Events › Nightlife & Live Music › – Events (columbian.com)

Music Listening...

Free Music Listening Apps:

• Spotify

• Youtube Music

• Pandora

• I heart Radio

• Amazon Music

Music Stores...

• Music World Music World Stores – Welcome to Music World!

• Beacocks Music Beacock Music, Vancouver Washington, Portland and Eugene Oregon Music Lessons, Instrument Rentals, Instrument Sales and Repair

• River City Music and Sound River City Music: Vancouver WA Music Store & Instrument About Us

• Briz Loan and Guitar Briz Loan and Guitar

Music Schools in Washington State: * Music Therapy Schools

• West Arts Academy School of Music- West Arts Academy – School of Music | Vancouver, WA

• Vancouver School Of Arts and Academics- 6th through 12th grade- Vancouver School of Arts and Academics – Where arts and academics are integrated (vansd.org)

*Seattle Pacific University- Music and Music Therapy Undergraduate Programs Available!

Link: Music Therapy Major | Seattle Pacific University (spu.edu) (Only Music Therapy Program in Washington State)

Central Washington University- CWU Music Department | Central Washington University

Eastern Washington University- Music - Eastern Washington University (ewu.edu)

*Pacific University Oregon- Music Therapy Degree Program

How to Become a Music Therapist

1. 4 Year Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy and/or Master's Equivalency Degree in undergrad music, music therapy and graduate level music therapy classes to include several psychology, anatomy, research and practicum sites (Here in Washington State we have Seattle Pacific University Music Therapy Programs and they just celebrated their 20th anniversary!)

2. You can also get a masters equivalency degree like I did if you already have a bachelors!

3. 6th month to a year long internship at a music therapy approved program site

4. Pass the National Board Certification Exam

5. Maintain 100 credits every 5 years of continuing education

6. Begin Work in the field!

7. Purchase Music Therapy State License- Washington State was just approved for music therapy licensure in april of 2023!