The emphasis within music therapy lies on the experience and feeling through (creating) music in the present moment. Music has the unique quality that it calls forth memories, emotions and past experiences. Music can even cause physical responses. For example; getting goosebumps when you hear music that moves you. Music is also a way to express feelings without the use of words. This can be great if you want to communicate about what is going on inside your head but you have trouble verbally communicate it or if you can’t find the right words to express yourself. Sometimes it is can be too painful for someone to verbally express an event or feeling. Music can be an alternative form of communication in these cases. The music therapist can understand the client through the unique quality of music he or she brings to life. All of the aspects stated above are used throughout music therapy.

The music therapist knows how music is used to communicate and can understand the client more in depth than if the client would only be speaking. The music therapist is able to ‘read’ the client’s musical expression and can anticipate and respond to the information gathered through the musical process. By offering a direct experience, treatment goals can be worked on en problems can (non-verbally) be worked through. After musical therapy sessions it is often good to reflect on what was experienced throughout the session with the music therapist, however, the emphasis is still mainly on the personal experience felt when engaged in the music.