What is included in the category of "Recreational Music" in music therapy?

The category of "Recreational Music" in music therapy specifically emphasizes social engagement through music. This aspect is key as it focuses on the enjoyment and communal experience that music can foster among individuals. Recreational music activities may include singing, playing instruments, or engaging in group-based music-making, which can enhance social connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide an enjoyable outlet for expression.

While formal training and structured academic learning focus on the technical and theoretical aspects of music, they do not align with the recreational purpose, which is more about enjoyment and participation in music without the pressure of formal instruction. Therapeutic performance, although it may involve elements of recreation, is generally more structured and conducted with specific therapeutic goals in mind, differing from the informal and spontaneous nature of recreational music activities. Thus, social engagement through music is the essential component that defines recreational music within the context of music therapy.