CMT CMT Music Theory & Instrument Skills for Therapy

Question 1

Which musical element is most directly associated with regulating physiological arousal in music therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Tempo

Answer

Tempo directly influences heart rate and physiological arousal, making it the most therapeutically manipulated musical element for regulation.

Question 2

In music therapy, the term 'entrainment' refers to the process by which:

Accepted Answer

Biological rhythms synchronize with an external rhythmic stimulus

Answer

Entrainment is the synchronization of biological rhythms (such as heart rate or gait) to an external rhythmic pulse provided by music.

Question 3

Which chord type is typically used in music therapy to create a sense of tension or unresolved emotion?

Accepted Answer

Diminished chord

Answer

Diminished chords contain two tritones and create strong harmonic tension, making them useful for reflecting unresolved emotional states.

Question 4

When using the guitar in a music therapy session, what technique allows the therapist to match a client's emotional state by modifying strumming intensity?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic shading

Answer

Dynamic shading — varying the strumming intensity from soft to loud — allows the therapist to acoustically mirror and match a client's emotional state.

Question 5

The pentatonic scale is frequently used in music therapy improvisation because it:

Accepted Answer

Contains no half steps, making it difficult to play wrong notes

Answer

The pentatonic scale has no half-step intervals, so any combination of its notes sounds consonant and harmonious, making it ideal for non-musician clients.

CMT - Certified Music Therapist Practice Test

CMT - Certified Music Therapist Practice Test

CMT CMT Music Theory & Instrument Skills for Therapy