What’s the Difference Between Music Therapy and Music Lessons?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Should my child be in music therapy or music lessons?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from parents and caregivers.
As someone who provides both, I want to help clarify the difference between music therapy and music lessons, so you can choose the option that best fits your child’s needs and goals.
While both involve music, the purpose, process, and outcomes are actually quite different.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice where a board-certified music therapist uses music to support non-musical goals like:
Communication
Emotional expression
Sensory regulation
Social skills
Cognitive or physical development
Mental health and wellness
It’s considered a healthcare service and can be used with individuals of all ages and abilities, including children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, trauma histories, or mental health challenges.
Sessions are highly individualized and may look like:
Singing to support language development
Drumming to improve attention and regulation
Songwriting to express emotions
Movement to music for motor planning
Shared music-making to build social skills
🎵 In short: music therapy isn’t about learning music—it’s about using music as a tool for growth, healing, and connection (which might happen to involve learning music!)
What Are Music Lessons?
Music lessons, on the other hand, focus on building musical skills and knowledge. The goal is to teach the student how to play an instrument, sing, read music, or improve technique over time.
In music lessons, your child might:
Learn piano, guitar, voice, or another instrument
Practice scales, rhythms, or music theory
Work toward performing a piece or recital
Build discipline and musical creativity
Music lessons are best for students who are ready to work toward musical goals, whether they’re beginners or more advanced learners.
🎶 In short: music lessons are about learning music—developing technique, building confidence, and exploring artistic expression.
Music Therapy vs. Music Lessons: What’s the Difference?
While both music therapy and music lessons involve making music, they’re actually designed for very different purposes.
Music therapy is focused on supporting non-musical goals. It’s a clinical service provided by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), and it’s used to help people improve things like communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, sensory processing, or motor skills. Music therapy sessions are personalized and flexible, often incorporating play, movement, and sensory-friendly strategies. It’s especially helpful for children with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other support needs.
Music lessons, on the other hand, are focused on musical goals. These lessons are designed to teach an instrument, improve technique, or build musical knowledge. The teacher may focus on skills like reading music, practicing scales, or preparing for a recital. Students who take music lessons are typically ready for more structured learning and are interested in developing their abilities as musicians.
The biggest difference is this:
🎵 Music therapy uses music to help with life skills.
🎶 Music lessons teach the skills needed to make music.
Another important distinction is that music therapy is sometimes covered by insurance or part of an IEP, while music lessons are almost always privately paid and focused on enrichment, not therapeutic outcomes.
Which One Is Right for My Child?
It depends on your child’s needs!
✅ Choose music therapy if your child…
Has communication delays or is non-speaking
Struggles with emotional regulation or attention
Has a diagnosis like autism, ADHD, or anxiety
Would benefit from a sensory-friendly, therapeutic approach
Is not yet ready for structured lessons
✅ Choose music lessons if your child…
Is interested in learning an instrument or singing
Can follow directions and practice between sessions
Doesn’t need therapeutic intervention
Wants to build musical skills or perform
And sometimes—kids can benefit from both! Some of my students begin with music therapy and eventually transition into music lessons once they’re developmentally ready.
What Are Adaptive Music Lessons with a Music Therapist?
Adaptive music lessons are a unique option for individuals who want to learn an instrument but need extra support due to developmental, cognitive, physical, or emotional differences. These lessons are taught by a board-certified music therapist who combines music education with therapeutic insight to meet each student’s unique needs.
Unlike traditional lessons, adaptive music lessons are:
Flexible and individualized – Pacing, goals, and teaching methods are adjusted to match how the student learns best.
Supportive of diverse communication styles – Whether your child is non-speaking, uses AAC, or needs extra time to process, lessons are designed to be accessible.
Sensory-aware – Lessons take into account sensory sensitivities and needs, using calming strategies, breaks, or movement as needed.
Focused on both musical and functional growth – While students build real musical skills (like piano, guitar, or voice), they may also improve focus, coordination, or emotional expression along the way.
Adaptive lessons are ideal for:
Neurodivergent students (autism, ADHD, etc.)
Students with physical disabilities or motor challenges
Children with anxiety or trauma histories
Anyone who hasn’t thrived in a traditional music setting
🎶 The goal is to create a safe, joyful space where every student—regardless of ability—can experience success in music.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference helps ensure your child gets the support they need. A child struggling with attention, frustration, or communication might not thrive in traditional lessons with a teacher who doesn’t specialize in neurodiversity inclusion—but could thrive with a music therapy or adaptive lessons approach that meets them where they are.
On the flip side, a child who’s ready to dive into piano, guitar, or voice might not need therapeutic goals—just a great teacher who makes learning music fun and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Music is powerful—but how we use it matters. Whether you’re exploring music therapy, music lessons, or something in between, the most important thing is finding the right fit for your child.
At Gladly Music, I offer both music therapy and music lessons tailored to each child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. Whether your child communicates with words, gestures, AAC, or rhythm—I believe music should be accessible to everyone.
Explore Music Therapy and Lessons with Gladly Music
Not sure where to start? I’m here to help.
