In music therapy, what does "musical attunement" refer to?

Musical attunement refers to the therapist's ability to match their musical expressions to the client's emotional state. This concept is essential in music therapy as it involves actively listening and responding to the client's cues, whether vocal or non-vocal, to create a supportive and empathetic environment. By aligning musical responses with the client's feelings, the therapist fosters a deeper emotional connection, which can enhance the therapeutic process. This attunement might manifest through varying dynamics, tempo, and tonality that reflect the client's current emotional experience, facilitating communication and expression in a way that words may not achieve.

This is distinct from other aspects of music therapy, such as conducting large groups or playing multiple instruments, which may not directly relate to the nuanced emotional interaction between the therapist and client that musical attunement emphasizes.