Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based practice where the use of music-based interventions supports people to improve, restore or maintain health, functioning and well-being. Every person is unique in their response to music despite illness, impairment or disability; therefore music therapy can benefit people of all ages and needs.

Therapeutic Outcomes of Music Therapy

Music Therapy can offer a variety of benefits to individuals in the following ways:

Reduced stress and anxiety levels;
Improved communication skills (attention span, use of PECS, receptive/expressive language);
Improved social interaction skills (turn-taking, eye contact, establishing peer interactions, improving self-esteem);
Improved fine and gross motor skills;
Promoting emotional self – expression;
Developing self-awareness and confidence;
Improved decision-making skills and conflict resolution skills;
Offers immersive multi-sensory, musical experience to meet sensory needs;

What Happens During Music Therapy Sessions?

In a music therapy session client and music therapist create music together while using a variety of different instruments and the voice. Music therapy offers a supportive and safe environment for verbal or musical self – expression.

Music Therapy Interventions

Music Therapy interventions can include and are not limited to:

Improvisation using instruments and voice;
Musical relaxation and mindfulness;
Singing;
Musical Games;
Movement to Music;
Song-writing;
Lyric Discussion;

Music Therapy Sessions

Depending on the age of the client, a session typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes which is further dependant on the needs of the client. The frequency of the sessions is determined during the initial assessment; however minimum of 6 sessions would be recommended in order to assess the client and spend time getting to know them.

No prior musical knowledge is required to attend music therapy.