Music therapy is a profession that uses music to enhance physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. It has been gaining popularity in Singapore, with applications in dementia care, pain management, and early childhood intervention.

Mr. Bakti Khair, a music therapist, found his passion for the field while conducting research for an undergraduate assignment at Lasalle College of the Arts. Despite the lack of music therapy programs in Singapore at the time, his dedication to helping others through music never wavered.

In response to the growing interest in music therapy, Lasalle launched Singapore's first postgraduate program in music therapy in 2024. This two-year course aims to train aspiring practitioners locally and has been well-received by both local and international students.

Music therapy has long been present in Singapore, with the Association for Music Therapy in Singapore (AMTS) established in 2007. The field has seen steady growth, particularly in palliative care, as healthcare professionals recognize the importance of quality of life for patients.

Music therapy offers physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits to patients. It can help individuals navigate grief, express emotions, and find closure. The profession requires specialized training to ensure safe and effective practice.

Efforts are being made to advocate for the formal recognition of music therapy as part of the allied health sector in Singapore. This recognition would enable patient subsidies, student funding, and increased access to music therapy services across the healthcare system.

Music therapy serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing in a society that may struggle with confronting difficult feelings. The rich multiculturalism of Singapore can be integrated into music therapy practices to create a more inclusive and effective approach.

As the field of music therapy continues to grow in Singapore, practitioners like Mr. Bakti are exploring innovative ways to incorporate diverse cultural elements and enhance the well-being of individuals through the power of music.