What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an effective healthcare profession in which a credentialed music therapist utilizes music interventions to accomplish individualized non-musical goals. Music therapy is for all ages, abilities & skills levels, & happens in group or individual settings. Music & its elements (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, structure, pulse, timbre, texture, tempo, tonality, harmony) are the tools used during sessions. This can be in active ways including, but not limited to singing, drumming, songwriting, movement, & improvisation or may be passive such as therapeutic listening & responding to live, client-preferred music. ​ Music therapy provides a clinical & evidence-based low-risk, high-value approach to numerous goals that is non-invasive, non-threatening, & non-pharmacological. A music therapist applies their training & skill to help others regain, maintain, or improve some level of function while addressing non-musical goals. Since music stimulates the ENTIRE brain, goals are not limited to one area, & may be cognitive, social, physical, emotional, spiritual, related to end of life care, or in a combination of areas. ​ A Music Therapist must complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in music therapy with 1,200 hours of clinical practicum, including a 1,040 hour professional internship before passing the board exam.  The Certification Board for Music Therapists maintains a list of credentialed individuals. ​
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of music do you use in sessions? Since music therapy is personalized to client needs and tastes, music is thoughtfully selected in order to encourage the most response, engagement, and benefit.
2. What is the difference between music therapy and music lessons or music entertainment? The main differences are goals and providers. Music Therapy goals are always non-musical. Music lessons aim to teach a person to do things such as sing, play an instrument, or read music. The purpose of music entertainment is primarily to provide pleasure. Music Therapy USES music, but for goals that are social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, communicative, academic, or for wellness or end of life care. The overall goal for music therapy is always to maintain, regain, or improve some level of function. If a musical skill is learned or improved, this would be a secondary benefit to primary goals. Additionally, music lessons are provided by music teachers. Entertainment is provided by entertainers. Music Therapy is provided by board certified Music Therapists.
3. Do I need musical training or skill to participate in and benefit from music therapy? No musical training or skill is needed. Almost every person responds to music in some way, as music stimulates the entire brain. A trained music therapist is able to use music and its elements (pitch, timbre, harmony, melody, meter, rhythm, style, texture, structure, tempo, and more) to encourage change, response, and progress.
4. Is music therapy mainly for kids and for people who just need relaxation? Music therapy is appropriate and effective across ages, diagnoses, and settings.
5. What happens in a music therapy session? Depending on the goals and who the session is for, there may be singing improvised or familiar songs, playing or improvising on a wide variety of percussion instruments, movement to music, writing music, discussing music, listening to live music, performing music, or musical games. The session will be tailored to the needs and interests of the client.
6. How long and how often are music therapy sessions? Individual sessions are once a week for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. Group sessions are usually once a week for 30 to 40 minutes for small groups and 45 to 55 minutes for large groups. These details can be explained and planned when registering with Rejoice Music Therapy.
7. Who can provide music therapy? Someone who has completed at least a four year degree in music therapy from an accredited school can provide music therapy. Once coursework for a bachelor's degree in music therapy is completed, a six month clinical internship is required before sitting for the national board exam.
Meet Meredith
I’m Meredith Whitlow, MMT, MT-BC, founder & owner of Rejoice Music Therapy, LLC based in Mooresville, NC. I began Rejoice because I believe whole-heartedly in the powerful impact and clinical efficacy of music and recognized the need for music therapy in my home community. I am a lifelong musician with a background in all things musical from church music to opera, instrumentalist to vocalist, & performer to director. I am a classically trained singer (UNC- Greensboro) & Master's level board-certified Music Therapist with a minor in Psychological Science (Queens University of Charlotte, Colorado State University). My 1,040-hour clinical internship was completed at Queens University Music Therapy Clinic & Atrium Health Mercy-Charlotte (formerly Mercy Hospital) in medical intensive care & in post & pre-operative care. I credit classical training, opera work, church musician roles, & even my marching band days with preparing me well to deliver my best every day as a clinician, a business owner, internship supervisor, & employer.
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My professional music therapy background includes work across ages & diagnoses (although primarily adult medical & aging populations including end of life); public speaking, presenting, & guest lecturing on music therapy; internship supervision; & local state advocacy & legislation efforts.
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Initially a solo endeavor, Rejoice Music Therapy began with faith & determination, reaching a small number of clients in the Mooresville, NC area. I am thankful to say that at the time of this writing Rejoice employs a team of board-certified music therapists in order to serve hundreds of clients across the state of North Carolina! Stay tuned to see where we grow next!
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Meet the Rejoice Team
Spreading Music Therapy As Far As We Can Reach​
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Rejoice Music Therapy employs talented and compassionate board-certified music therapists to serve residents across the state of NC. Our ever-growing client list includes skilled nursing communities, memory care units, assisted living communities, adult day centers, community centers, and private homes. Rejoice is currently adding music therapists to the team, so please contact us to see if our services are available in your area.
JAMIE MOORE, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist​
Jamie earned her music therapy degree from Appalachian State University & completed her clinical internship at Four Seasons Hospice in Flat Rock, NC. Her love of music developed over the years through the help of her family, church, & school band. In her free time, she loves to cook, listen to podcasts, & make memories with her family & friends. Jamie is the voice of Rejoice in the Greensboro, NC area.
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CIYETZI TEVEPAUGH
Music Therapist
Ciyetzi attended Queens University of Charlotte, receiving a Bachelor of Music Therapy and a minor in both Psychology and Spanish. After completing a clinical internship with Rejoice Music Therapy she remains part of the team, serving clients in the Mooresville, NC area. Ciyetzi's love for music has grown & developed through musicianship & service at church, with her family, & as a student vocalist & performer.
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ANNABEL MALONE
Music Therapy Intern
Rejoice welcomes Annabel from Marietta, Ohio as a music therapy intern beginning this fall. Check back for more information soon!