"Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words."
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-American Music Therapy Association
Who is served:
NICCU
Pediatrics
Adolescents
Adults
Individuals with I/DD
Parkinson's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Mental Health
Behavioral Health
Autism
Speech
Brain Injury
Memory Care
End of Life
& much more
What are benefits:
Promote Wellness
Manage Stress
Alleviate Pain
Express Feelings
Enhance Memory
Improve Communication
Promote Physical Rehabilitation
Promote Positive Social Skills
Self Expression
& much more
What does a session look like?
Each session is music centered and specifically tailored to the individual's established goal and abilities. These will be established after an initial evaluation.
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Sessions follow a consistent format from one to the next, to provided certainty and stability. Typically, they begin with a "greeting song". This song/musical experience will be the same each time. Next, a "warm-up" occurs to assist in beginning the current sessions targeted work, that will take place during the "main activity" portion of the session. This portion, typically, works towards the individuals goal in a manner to move forward in progress and success, pushing them to the next level. After the "main activities", the individual and therapist will engage in a "cool-down" to assist in bringing closure and a stopping point to the work done during the session. Finally, the session will end with a "farewell song" to provide a definitive ending to the therapy session.
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Session times will range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will be determined when setting up a session schedule after the initial evaluation. The duration of the goal will be determined then, as well.
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Each portion of a session serves a purpose to directly fit the individual and their music therapy goal. Music used is client preferred music to insure high engagement and effectiveness of the session.
Your Brain on Music
