ABSTRACT
The research on music therapy for offending behaviour has been somewhat limited, however, in the last decade there has been a palpable increase of attention directed to this developing field. This chapter begins by providing foundational knowledge of music therapy through outlining what constitutes as contemporary music therapy and its practice. This is achieved through defining music therapy and then, discussing the core approaches and some prominent models used within practice. With this understanding formed, the chapter presents the research that examines music therapy within correctional settings, namely, prison and forensic populations. The evidence from the existing research suggests that music therapy is beneficial in correctional settings and is particularly helpful in being responsive to offenders with mental health needs.
