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Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
What is the music therapy process?
What are music therapy sessions like?
What are some of the goals music therapy can address?
Who is qualified to provide music therapy services?
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What is music therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to address individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy offers engaging and enjoyable experiences so that clients can build on their strengths while improving areas of need. No musical training or skills are necessary for a client to benefit from music therapy.
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Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
Music therapy can help children and adults who have:
- Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Speech Disorders
- Physical Disabilities
- Sensory Disorders
- Mental Health Needs
- Neurological Disorders & Brain Injuries
- Emotional & Behavioral Disorders
- Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia
- Hospice & Palliative Care
- Chronic Medical Illness
- Medical & Surgical Procedures
- General Health & Wellness Needs
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What is the music therapy process?
Assessment: Active music experiences that assess the client’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. A written assessment will be provided.
Music Therapy Sessions: The music therapist will lead music therapy sessions and use evidence-based music therapy strategies and techniques to address the client’s goals.
Documentation: The music therapist will document the client’s progress and provide periodic evaluations.
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What are music therapy sessions like?
Music therapy sessions involve a wide variety of music experiences and are individualized to the client’s preferences and goals. Music therapy sessions are highly enjoyable by most clients.
Some elements you may see in a music therapy session include:
• Greeting and goodbye songs
• Movement to music
• Singing, vocal improvisations
• Playing instruments
• Music instruction
• Opportunities for social interaction
• Songwriting activities
• Lyric analysis and discussion
• Music and relaxation techniques
• Opportunities to make musical choices
• Client’s preferred music
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What are some of the goals music therapy can address?
Communication: Language, speech, augmentative communication, non-verbal communication
Cognitive: Attention, on-task behavior, memory, orientation, following directions, academic concepts
Physical: Motor skills, coordination, body awareness, sensory adaptation, pain management
Emotional: Identification and expression of feelings, self-esteem, coping skills, creativity, impulse control, relaxation skills, stress management
Social Skills: Interaction with others, interpersonal skills, independence, leisure skills, assertiveness skills
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Who is qualified to provide music therapy services?
A qualified music therapist is someone who has completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association. A music therapist has also completed a minimum of 1040 hours of clinical training.
