What does pitch-matching refer to in music therapy?

Pitch-matching refers to the ability to imitate or reproduce a specific tone or note that is played or sung. In the context of music therapy, this skill is vital as it enables clients to engage and participate in music-making activities. Through pitch-matching, therapists can assess a client's auditory discrimination skills and their ability to replicate sounds, which can be important for therapeutic goals such as enhancing communication, improving social skills, and developing musical abilities. By practicing pitch-matching, clients can improve their tonal accuracy and gain confidence in their vocal or instrumental abilities, which can enhance their overall experience in therapy. This skill also facilitates easier interaction between the therapist and the client, as both can communicate through precise musical sounds.