Music Therapy vs. Music Lessons: What's the Difference and Which One Does My Child Need?
(And why it's okay if you're not sure yet!)
If you're a parent of a child with special needs, there's a good chance you've asked yourself this question at some point:
"Should I sign my child up for music therapy or music lessons?"
You're not alone—and the confusion makes total sense! On the surface, both involve music. Both can look joyful and creative. And both can be incredibly rewarding.
But here's the thing: the goals behind each are pretty different. And knowing the difference can help you choose the support that best fits your child right now.
Let’s break it down together, parent to parent. ❤️
🎼 What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is more than just playing instruments or singing songs—it’s a clinical, evidence-based practice that uses music to help your child grow in non-musical areas.
Here are some of the skills we can work on through music therapy:
Communication and language development
Emotional regulation
Social interaction and play
Motor skills
Sensory processing
Cognitive and academic skills
Building confidence and self-expression
At A therapeutic Melody, music therapy sessions are led by a board-certified music therapist (that’s me!), and every session is thoughtfully adapted to your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
So no—your child doesn’t need to “be good” at music. In fact, music therapy meets them exactly where they are.
In short: Music therapy uses music as a medium for developmental and emotional growth—not performance.
🎹 So, What About Music Lessons?
Music lessons are what most people think of when they picture traditional music education—like learning how to play piano, guitar, or sing.
In lessons, the focus is typically on:
Musical technique
Reading music
Practicing songs
Music lessons are wonderful for kids who are ready to dive deeper into musical skills. But they’re usually not designed to support developmental needs like speech delays, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation—unless the instructor has additional training in those areas, like we do at A Therapeutic Melody.
🎶 The Best of Both Worlds: Music Lessons with a Music Therapist
Here’s something really special that not everyone knows: if your child takes lessons with a board-certified music therapist, they can still work on musical skills—with built-in support for learning differences, sensory needs, and developmental challenges.
This is often referred to as adaptive music lessons—and it’s something I offer here at A Therapeutic Melody.
Here's what makes them different:
The pace and structure are based on your child’s attention span and learning style
We use visuals, movement, and breaks when needed
Emotions are honored, not dismissed
We celebrate small wins, build connections, and follow their interests
There’s no pressure to perform—just joy, growth, and music
If your child is fascinated by instruments or wants to explore music but you're unsure they’d thrive in a more traditional lesson setting, this is a beautiful in-between option.
Many families begin with music therapy and transition into adaptive lessons when their child is ready—or do a combination of both.
🤔 So… Which One Is Right for My Child?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
✅ Music therapy might be the right fit if your child is working on developmental goals—like communication, self-regulation, or sensory integration.
✅ Traditional music lessons may be a better fit if your child is ready to focus on building musical skills with some independence (having enough attention span, being able to focus, and reaching key developmental milestones).
✅ Adaptive music lessons with a music therapist are perfect for kids who want to explore music in a way that honors their needs and makes learning fun, flexible, and meaningful.
🌟 A Personal Note
I know how overwhelming it can feel when trying to determine what kind of support your child needs—especially when there’s overlap or gray areas.
Please know there’s no wrong answer here.
Whether your child thrives through therapy, adaptive lessons, or simply jamming to their favorite songs at home… music is already doing its magic. 💫
If you're still unsure, feel free to fill out the form below or email me directly at alice@atherapeuticmelody.com. I'm always happy to chat and would love to support you in any way I can.
