As music therapists, it can be a little disheartening when people don’t know about our amazing field.

But fret not! Music therapy has some friends in high places! Here’s a collection of celebrities who “get” music therapy. Some are advocates,

some are supporters, some are believers, and some are even recipients of music therapy services!

See, we’re not THAT obscure…

Ben Folds

Musician Ben Folds has had a prolific solo career, as well as with

his group, the Ben Folds Five.

Not only that, but he’s a big supporter of music therapy! Ben

has attended music therapy conferences, shared content from

this very blog on his Facebook, and advocated for music therapy

in Washington DC!

Joey Fatone

Back in the 90’s and 00’s, N’SYNC ruled the radio airwaves. I’m going to refrain from quoting lyrics here, because all I’d do is

get one of their catchy tunes stuck in your head (you’re welcome).

Fatone has since set up a foundation which has provided

funding to support a music therapy program at the Arnold

Palmer Hospital for Children in his hometown of Orlando!

Diiiiirty pop (sorry, couldn’t help myself).

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

Rep. Giffords was involved in a a tragic mass shooting in her home

state of Arizona.

Facing a long road to recovery from her brain injury, Giffords went

through many hours of therapy. One of the treatments that has

been cited as playing a large part in her recovery is Neurologic

Music Therapy, a type of music therapy that utilizes techniques targeting the brain and neural

functions.

Jodi Picoult

This famous author penned a book titled “Sing You Home,” in which one of the central characters is a music therapist!

J.K. Simmons

Simmons played a leading role in the 2011 film “The Music Never

Stopped,” about a young man who experienced severe amnesia. The

only thing that connected him social to those around him was

the music of his youth.

A central part of the film centers on Simmon’s character working with a music therapist to help his

son (in the film) reconnect with his family.

Mickey Hart

The former drummer for the Grateful Dead has connected with

the American Music Therapy Association in the past. In fact, in

the film “The Music Never Stopped,” the Grateful Dead play

an important role in the plot surrounding the main character.

Bob Woodruff

This ABC News correspondent sustained a severe brain injury while covering the war in Iraq in 2006. Though he did not receive

music therapy or come out in support of the field, he reported on

the recovery of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in an ABC News special, which featured a large segment

on music therapy and its effectiveness.

Want to know more?

The George Center offers high quality music therapy services all

over the Atlanta area!

Not sure if it’s right for you? No sweat! We offer a FREE

consultation!

www.TheGeorgeCenter.com/Blog