The benefits of musical improvisation in music therapy
The benefits of musical improvisation in music therapy
The benefits of musical improvisation in music therapy
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation.
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation.
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation.
July 12, 2025
July 12, 2025
July 12, 2025
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation. When plans change, we improvise a new plan of action. When the unexpected comes, sometimes we need to think on our feet.
Improvisation in music is when the sound is chosen in the moment. Similar to life, improvisation still has rules. Just because we adapt in our daily life doesn’t mean we do a complete 180 on our values, our role in society, and our daily life. On the same coin, just because we can choose the notes in improvisation, it doesn’t mean that every combination of notes is going to fit with the music.
Like life, improvisation still has rules.
Improvisation in music utilizes structure, however the person improvising has infinite choices of how they want to choose their sound. Improvising over a chord progression allows people to have full autonomy over the sound that they create.
If someone is in an inpatient psychiatric setting, this autonomy has been stripped from their daily life. Their phone has been taken away from them. They are surrounded by strangers, away from any family, friends, or support systems in their life. Decisions such as medication, and treatment plans are being prescribed to them. They have the option to talk to other residents on the unit, but everyone is working through unique challenges and struggles —which can make it difficult for patients to relate with each other.
However, when groups come together to connect with music, this can have a profound impact on recovery within the mental health setting.
Improvisation creates autonomy, particularly when choices may feel limited. Patients can make choices whether a song be quiet, loud, fast, slow. It can have lyrics, or not have lyrics. If it has lyrics, it can be a humorous song, a more serious song, and can touch on unique experiences and feelings that the patients are feeling. If it doesn’t have lyrics, emotions can be conveyed by the song dynamics (loud or soft), the tempo (speed) of the music, or articulation and phrasing of how the music is played.
Music open doors to connection for patients to relate to each other, while providing a safe and non-invasive space for them to express themselves through music.
Through creating music in the moment with other patients, people can try new things in the moment. This isn’t reserved for only musicians, anyone can grab a tambourine or a hand drum and play create unique rhythms to the music. People can sing, whether improvising lyrics (freestyle) or just singing on “la” and finding melodies for the song.
The goal of improvisation in music therapy is not to create the best music possible but to provide people with the confidence in making mistakes, and moving forward with the music. It is a place where trying new things is encouraged, and there is no “correct” answer. Self expression and connection building is the goal. In a place where decisions are made for the patients, this is the place where they don’t have to be. Every patient can make their own musical choices and bring unique ideas to the collaboration, providing opportunities for the patients to connect with each other. This experience can truly be transformative for patients lacking connection with their environment, empowering them to create in a space where creativity can feel limited.
Whether someone is working through depression, managing hallucinations from schizophrenia, has anxiety, or is undergoing a bipolar manic episode, music is a stimulus that can be grounding and humanizing, orienting patients to their environment and fostering trust in a place where it can be difficult to trust people. It can serve as a distraction from overwhelming thoughts, internal narratives, and current struggles in life, and can construct new and healthier dynamics of thought moving forward.
Music is for everyone. No matter what position they are in life. And it has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit when we need it the most.
If you are interested in learning more about music therapy, including the populations served, please visit music therapy.org to learn more about the profession.
To find a music therapist in your area click here!
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation. When plans change, we improvise a new plan of action. When the unexpected comes, sometimes we need to think on our feet.
Improvisation in music is when the sound is chosen in the moment. Similar to life, improvisation still has rules. Just because we adapt in our daily life doesn’t mean we do a complete 180 on our values, our role in society, and our daily life. On the same coin, just because we can choose the notes in improvisation, it doesn’t mean that every combination of notes is going to fit with the music.
Like life, improvisation still has rules.
Improvisation in music utilizes structure, however the person improvising has infinite choices of how they want to choose their sound. Improvising over a chord progression allows people to have full autonomy over the sound that they create.
If someone is in an inpatient psychiatric setting, this autonomy has been stripped from their daily life. Their phone has been taken away from them. They are surrounded by strangers, away from any family, friends, or support systems in their life. Decisions such as medication, and treatment plans are being prescribed to them. They have the option to talk to other residents on the unit, but everyone is working through unique challenges and struggles —which can make it difficult for patients to relate with each other.
However, when groups come together to connect with music, this can have a profound impact on recovery within the mental health setting.
Improvisation creates autonomy, particularly when choices may feel limited. Patients can make choices whether a song be quiet, loud, fast, slow. It can have lyrics, or not have lyrics. If it has lyrics, it can be a humorous song, a more serious song, and can touch on unique experiences and feelings that the patients are feeling. If it doesn’t have lyrics, emotions can be conveyed by the song dynamics (loud or soft), the tempo (speed) of the music, or articulation and phrasing of how the music is played.
Music open doors to connection for patients to relate to each other, while providing a safe and non-invasive space for them to express themselves through music.
Through creating music in the moment with other patients, people can try new things in the moment. This isn’t reserved for only musicians, anyone can grab a tambourine or a hand drum and play create unique rhythms to the music. People can sing, whether improvising lyrics (freestyle) or just singing on “la” and finding melodies for the song.
The goal of improvisation in music therapy is not to create the best music possible but to provide people with the confidence in making mistakes, and moving forward with the music. It is a place where trying new things is encouraged, and there is no “correct” answer. Self expression and connection building is the goal. In a place where decisions are made for the patients, this is the place where they don’t have to be. Every patient can make their own musical choices and bring unique ideas to the collaboration, providing opportunities for the patients to connect with each other. This experience can truly be transformative for patients lacking connection with their environment, empowering them to create in a space where creativity can feel limited.
Whether someone is working through depression, managing hallucinations from schizophrenia, has anxiety, or is undergoing a bipolar manic episode, music is a stimulus that can be grounding and humanizing, orienting patients to their environment and fostering trust in a place where it can be difficult to trust people. It can serve as a distraction from overwhelming thoughts, internal narratives, and current struggles in life, and can construct new and healthier dynamics of thought moving forward.
Music is for everyone. No matter what position they are in life. And it has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit when we need it the most.
If you are interested in learning more about music therapy, including the populations served, please visit music therapy.org to learn more about the profession.
To find a music therapist in your area click here!
Improvisation is an everyday part of life. Sometimes it presents as a spontaneous conversation. When plans change, we improvise a new plan of action. When the unexpected comes, sometimes we need to think on our feet.
Improvisation in music is when the sound is chosen in the moment. Similar to life, improvisation still has rules. Just because we adapt in our daily life doesn’t mean we do a complete 180 on our values, our role in society, and our daily life. On the same coin, just because we can choose the notes in improvisation, it doesn’t mean that every combination of notes is going to fit with the music.
Like life, improvisation still has rules.
Improvisation in music utilizes structure, however the person improvising has infinite choices of how they want to choose their sound. Improvising over a chord progression allows people to have full autonomy over the sound that they create.
If someone is in an inpatient psychiatric setting, this autonomy has been stripped from their daily life. Their phone has been taken away from them. They are surrounded by strangers, away from any family, friends, or support systems in their life. Decisions such as medication, and treatment plans are being prescribed to them. They have the option to talk to other residents on the unit, but everyone is working through unique challenges and struggles —which can make it difficult for patients to relate with each other.
However, when groups come together to connect with music, this can have a profound impact on recovery within the mental health setting.
Improvisation creates autonomy, particularly when choices may feel limited. Patients can make choices whether a song be quiet, loud, fast, slow. It can have lyrics, or not have lyrics. If it has lyrics, it can be a humorous song, a more serious song, and can touch on unique experiences and feelings that the patients are feeling. If it doesn’t have lyrics, emotions can be conveyed by the song dynamics (loud or soft), the tempo (speed) of the music, or articulation and phrasing of how the music is played.
Music open doors to connection for patients to relate to each other, while providing a safe and non-invasive space for them to express themselves through music.
Through creating music in the moment with other patients, people can try new things in the moment. This isn’t reserved for only musicians, anyone can grab a tambourine or a hand drum and play create unique rhythms to the music. People can sing, whether improvising lyrics (freestyle) or just singing on “la” and finding melodies for the song.
The goal of improvisation in music therapy is not to create the best music possible but to provide people with the confidence in making mistakes, and moving forward with the music. It is a place where trying new things is encouraged, and there is no “correct” answer. Self expression and connection building is the goal. In a place where decisions are made for the patients, this is the place where they don’t have to be. Every patient can make their own musical choices and bring unique ideas to the collaboration, providing opportunities for the patients to connect with each other. This experience can truly be transformative for patients lacking connection with their environment, empowering them to create in a space where creativity can feel limited.
Whether someone is working through depression, managing hallucinations from schizophrenia, has anxiety, or is undergoing a bipolar manic episode, music is a stimulus that can be grounding and humanizing, orienting patients to their environment and fostering trust in a place where it can be difficult to trust people. It can serve as a distraction from overwhelming thoughts, internal narratives, and current struggles in life, and can construct new and healthier dynamics of thought moving forward.
Music is for everyone. No matter what position they are in life. And it has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit when we need it the most.
If you are interested in learning more about music therapy, including the populations served, please visit music therapy.org to learn more about the profession.
To find a music therapist in your area click here!
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benlavine2@gmail.com
benlavine2@gmail.com
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When we hear the phrase “Music Therapy” a lot of different things can come to mind.
When we hear the phrase “Music Therapy” a lot of different things can come to mind.
When we hear the phrase “Music Therapy” a lot of different things can come to mind.
In a noisy world full of advice, opinions, and pressure, it’s easy to lose touch with your own voice. We start living on autopilot — doing what’s expected instead of what feels true.
In a noisy world full of advice, opinions, and pressure, it’s easy to lose touch with your own voice. We start living on autopilot — doing what’s expected instead of what feels true.
In a noisy world full of advice, opinions, and pressure, it’s easy to lose touch with your own voice. We start living on autopilot — doing what’s expected instead of what feels true.
Your questions.
Answered.
Curious about how things work? Here are some helpful answers to guide you.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
Who is a music therapist?
Who is a music therapist?
A music therapist is a licensed professional… who has completed a Bachelors or Masters in Music Therapy from an accredited institution, completed over 1,200 hours of clinical training hours,and has passed the national board exam Administered through CBMT. A Board- Certified music therapist has the title of MT-BC.
You can find more information regarding our board, as well as extra information about this profession HERE
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Music Actively engages multiple parts of our brain simultaneously. It lights up communication, emotional, cognitive, social, and motor areas of our brain simultaneously, providing unique opportunities to connect neural pathways. (HERE/THIS) is a photo of an MRI study of a brain on music versus a brain at rest. You can see the activation of multiple neural networks simultaneously, lighting up areas of the brain.
Click HERE for More information about the neuroscience of music from Harvard edu.
Your questions.
Answered.
Curious about how things work? Here are some helpful answers to guide you.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
Who is a music therapist?
Who is a music therapist?
A music therapist is a licensed professional… who has completed a Bachelors or Masters in Music Therapy from an accredited institution, completed over 1,200 hours of clinical training hours,and has passed the national board exam Administered through CBMT. A Board- Certified music therapist has the title of MT-BC.
You can find more information regarding our board, as well as extra information about this profession HERE
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Music Actively engages multiple parts of our brain simultaneously. It lights up communication, emotional, cognitive, social, and motor areas of our brain simultaneously, providing unique opportunities to connect neural pathways. (HERE/THIS) is a photo of an MRI study of a brain on music versus a brain at rest. You can see the activation of multiple neural networks simultaneously, lighting up areas of the brain.
Click HERE for More information about the neuroscience of music from Harvard edu.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
Your questions.
Answered.
Curious about how things work? Here are some helpful answers to guide you.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice which focuses on the clinical use of music to develop therapeutic goals within different domains. The music therapy profession can serve to support emotional, communicative, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual goals.
Through our music therapy sessions, we will explore areas of your life that music can help, and create a plan of action to build your breakthroughs with music.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
But… What does this look like in a session?
Every session of music therapy is different. We use a mixture of songwriting, creating music on the spot (improvisation), and hold space discussing why certain songs are relevant to your life.
Sometimes talk-therapy can't solve everything, and we need a creative way to be able to process and express our emotions. Music therapy fills in the gaps when talk-therapy leaves us feeling stuck.
Who is a music therapist?
Who is a music therapist?
A music therapist is a licensed professional… who has completed a Bachelors or Masters in Music Therapy from an accredited institution, completed over 1,200 hours of clinical training hours,and has passed the national board exam Administered through CBMT. A Board- Certified music therapist has the title of MT-BC.
You can find more information regarding our board, as well as extra information about this profession HERE
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Neuroscience and Music Therapy!
Music Actively engages multiple parts of our brain simultaneously. It lights up communication, emotional, cognitive, social, and motor areas of our brain simultaneously, providing unique opportunities to connect neural pathways. (HERE/THIS) is a photo of an MRI study of a brain on music versus a brain at rest. You can see the activation of multiple neural networks simultaneously, lighting up areas of the brain.
Click HERE for More information about the neuroscience of music from Harvard edu.