Music Therapy is defined by the American Music Therapy Association as "an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages". Music therapy improves quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions are designed to:

1. promote wellness
2. manage stress
3. alleviate pain
4. express feelings
5. enhance memory
6. improve communication
7. promote physical rehabilitation

Facts

1. Music therapy uses music to address non-musical needs, which vary based upon each individual.
2. Music therapy is goal directed.
3. It's success and validity is based on scientific research and evidence-based data.
4. Treatment is based on assessments, plan of care and statistical outcomes and responses.

Misconceptions

1. Individuals must have an extensive musical background to participate in music therapy.
2. One genre of music is considered more therapeutic than the rest.
3. Individuals have to be able to play an instrument.
4. Music therapy is provided by volunteer musicians or performers.

Community Involvement:

• Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's Music Therapy Department provides local universities, including Appalachian State University, the opportunity for students to observe and participate in music therapy sessions as part of their professional training.
• Local high school student, Jordan Dagenhart, recently completed his senior project on the emerging field of music therapy. Valley's music therapist served as his mentor throughout the duration of his assignment.
• The nursing center now has a University Affiliated Music Therapy Internship with Georgia College and State University and the University Systems of Georgia Board of Regents. This agreement allow GC&SU students to intern under a board certified music therapist for a specified amount of time to satisfy their degree requirements. Each intern must meet certain criteria to begin an internship and must meet American Music Therapy Association's qualifications for "entry-level professional" by the end of his/her internship.

About Valley's Music Therapist:

Lisa M. Wooten, MT-BC

Lisa received her Bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Georgia College & State University in December 2007. She completed a six month internship at Central State Hospital, working with clients ages 4 to 100 with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. She obtained Board Certification in February 2008. She is proficient on several different instruments including guitar, piano, saxophone and percussion. Lisa has been employed as a full-time Music Therapist at Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since January 2008.

Music Therapy Internship:

Laura A. Minton | Music Therapy Intern

Laura’s educational background includes an Associates in Education and Bachelors in Music Therapy (BMT) with a minor in psychology.  In order to fulfill degree requirements for the BMT she began her internship at Valley in January 2010 and is anticipated to complete required clinical hours by this November; upon completion she will be the first in her family to receive an undergraduate degree.  She is also the member of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (Chapter 151).  Her practicum settings have included geriatrics, long-term and hospice settings, and children with physical and/or developmental impairments. 
Laura is functional on guitar and keyboard and has played the violin for 17 years.  She brings with her a desire to provide a holistic approach to using music as a medium to expand the abilities of individuals from all life stages.