Overview
Music Therapy Benefits
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical activities by a Board Certified Music Therapist to effect positive changes in either the physical, cognitive or psychosocial functioning of individuals with disabilities. In an educational setting, as part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the music therapist collaborates with other disciplines such as speech, physical, occupational therapies and psychology in order to help students respond in a more positive way and have better success meeting their IEP goals. Music therapy interventions apply the inherent order of music to set behavioral expectations, provide reassurance, and maintain structure for children with special needs. It helps the individual learn faster, retain knowledge for longer periods of time, and have fun in the process. Music therapy provides enjoyment in structured activities tailored to individual needs, and treatment plans presented in the least restrictive environment. Offered to adults on a fee-for-service basis, it is an individual-centered approach that greatly enhances the success of every modality.
The Music Therapist addresses:
- Physical goals such as fine and gross motor skills (grasping or reaching for small instruments and body movements such as clapping and stomping).
- Communication goals for improving expressive and receptive language skills (imitating sound or syllables, sequencing words through a song, and use of augmentative communication devices).
- Cognitive goals by emphasizing concepts through songs, heightening attention spans, and clarifying academics.
- Social skills such as developing self-awareness and awareness of others by engaging children in social interactions (group singing or instrument playing, turn-taking with instruments, and following directions).
- Emotional skills including self-expression (singing about feelings and improvising on instruments for self-expression).