Music therapists are trained to use their first study instrument in clinical practice, yet existing literature focuses almost exclusively on the use of piano, basic percussion and voice. This illuminating book brings together international music therapists who use a diverse range of musical instruments in their clinical work: the clarinet, the piano accordion, the flute, the cello, the trumpet and flugelhorn, the bassoon, the violin, the viola, the harp, the guitar, lower brass instruments (the trombone and the euphonium), the oboe, the saxophone and bass instruments (double bass and bass guitar). Each therapist reflects on their relationship with their instrument and the ways in which they use it in therapeutic settings, discussing its advantages and disadvantages in a variety of clinical populations: children and adolescents, adults with learning disabilities, adults with mental health problems and older people. This will be essential reading for any music therapist or student music therapist who uses or is interested in using a musical instrument in their work, and will be of interest to other caring and healthcare professionals, teachers, musicians and carers wanting to learn more about instrumental music therapy.

Relating the innovative ways in which assistants and collaborators can become an integral part of a course of music therapy, this book explores how the involvement of a diverse range of individuals, such as family members, learning support assistants, caregivers and medical staff, can contribute to successful sessions. Illustrated by clinical examples, the book will help music therapists and students to make the most of opportunities to collaborate with individuals other than the client who may be present during therapy sessions. The book also takes into account the challenges that can arise in music therapy collaboration, and explores the relationships that can develop between music therapists, clients and collaborators.