Mainstay Music Therapy, Inc.

As music therapists, one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your sessions is by integrating your client’s personal musical preferences. By tailoring music to what resonates with each client, you create a therapeutic environment that feels familiar, comforting, and engaging. Let’s explore how to uncover your client’s musical tastes and use that knowledge to design a person-centered therapy experience.

Why Personalizing Music is Crucial

When you personalize music choices, you’re doing more than just playing songs—it’s about recognizing each client for who they are. Clients are more likely to engage in therapy when their values are heard and respected. This connection builds trust and helps clients feel understood.

Tailoring music therapy can:

• Increase Engagement: Familiar music encourages active participation.
• Enhance Emotional Connection: Clients can relate to the music on a personal level.
• Build Trust: Taking their preferences into account shows respect for their individuality.

Step 1: Ask the Right Questions

Understanding your client’s musical preferences begins with asking insightful questions, such as:

• “What types of music do you enjoy?”
• “Do any songs hold special memories for you?”
• “Is there music that helps you relax?”
• “Is there music you don’t like or that’s hard to listen to?”
• “Do you prefer singing, playing instruments, or listening?”

These questions help you build a picture of their preferences and emotional associations with music. If the person you are supporting is unable to answer these questions, then it’s time to employ your observation skills to view their responses to various musical components. (learn more about Active Listening in our previous post here)

Step 2: Match Music to Emotional States and Goals

Once you know what your client likes, match the music to their current emotional state and therapy goals:

• For Relaxation: Choose calming genres or instrumental music that aligns with their preferences. (note this does not always equal slow music!)
• For Emotional Expression: If they’re working through anger or sadness, incorporate more intense or reflective music.
• For Confidence or Motivation: Upbeat, empowering songs can help boost morale and motivation.

Step 3: Explore Music-Based Activities

Now that you’ve got a sense of your client’s preferences, incorporate them into therapeutic activities:

• Active Listening: Play a favorite song and discuss its emotional impact, or use it as an opportunity to connect with each other.
• Improvisation: Allow clients to experiment with instruments or voice, matching the music style they enjoy or respond most to.
• Songwriting or Singing: Adapt songs or create new ones together based on their experiences.

Step 4: Be Flexible

Your client’s preferences and needs may change over time, so it’s important to stay flexible. Regularly check in with them about how they feel about the music and adjust as necessary.

Personalizing music therapy to your client’s tastes not only enhances their experience but also strengthens your relationship with them. By incorporating their favorite music, you create a safe and engaging space that encourages trust and deeper emotional connection. Whether it’s calming music for relaxation or motivating songs to boost confidence, personalized music choices can make all the difference in their progress toward growth.

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