*Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy

Music Therapy and Young Children

What is Music Therapy?

"Music Therapy is the clinical and evidenced-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program." Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. It consists of using music therapeutically and as a motivator to address physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and/or social functioning. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. With young children, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in a childs behavior and facilitate development of his/her communication, social/emotion, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive skills. Music therapy may include the use of behavioral, biomedical, developmental, educational, humanistic, adaptive music instruction, and/or other models. Music therapy enhances the quality of life. It involves relationships between a qualified therapy and child; between one child and another; between child and family; and between the music and the participants. These relationships are structured and adapted through the elements of music to create a positive environment and set the occasion for successful growth.

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference with Young Children?

Music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels. This multi-modal approach facilitates many developmental skills. Quality learning and maximum participation occur when children are permitted to experience the joy of play. The medium of music therapy allows this play to occur naturally and frequently.

Music is highly motivating, yet it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. Enjoyable music activities are designed to be success-oriented and make children feel better about themselves.

Music therapy can help a child manage pain and stressful situations.

Music can encourage socialization, self-expression, communication, and motor development. Because the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists are trained professionals who accept referrals, observe clients behavior and interactions, and assess their behavioral/psycho-social and emotional skills, communication and language abilities, perceptual and sensory motor functioning, cognitive and academic concepts, and musical skills. After developing realistic goals and target objectives, music therapists plan and implement systematic music therapy treatment programs with procedures and techniques designed specifically for the individual child. Music therapists document responses, conduct ongoing evaluations of progress, and often make recommendations to other team members and the family regarding progress. They work individually or in small groups to involve children in singing, listening, moving, playing, and in creative activities in a systematic, prescribed manner to influence changes in targeted responses or behaviors that are non-musical in nature. This helps clients meet individual goals and objectives and to become better learners. Music therapists work on developing a childs self-awareness, confidence, readiness skills, coping skills, and social behavior and may also provide pain management techniques. They explore which styles of music, techniques and instruments are most effective or motivating for each individual child and expand upon the childs natural, spontaneous play in order to address areas of need. (Musical ability/talent is NOT required). Often working as a part of an interdisciplinary team, music therapists may coordinate programming with other professionals such as early intervention specialists, medical personnel, child life specialists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech/language pathologists, adapted physical education specialists and art and dance/movement therapists. Music therapist may also furnish families with suggestions and resources for using music with the child at home.

Who is a Qualified Music Therapist?

After completing a minimum of a 6 month internship at an approved facility, graduates of colleges or universities from more than 70 approved music therapy programs are eligible take a national examination administered by he Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), an independent, non-profit certifying agency fully accredited by he National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Upon successful completion of the CBMT examination, graduates are issued the credential necessary for professional practice, Music Therapist-Board Certified, (MT-BC). Any individual who does not have proper training and credentials is not qualified to provide music therapy services.

What Can One Expect from a Music Therapist?

Since music therapy may be listed on the child's IEP (Individualized Education Program) as a "related service" or may be provided to children under the age of three as part of the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), music therapists must be able to assess the needs of the young child as well as those of the family. They design individualized programming, monitor progress, evaluate, and provide documentation related to the childs goals and objectives. A music therapist who works with young children possesses a strong knowledge of relevant music and materials, early childhood development, specific needs of the child, and developmentally appropriate practices. A music therapist is accomplished in the use of instruments and voice. They are able to adapt strategies to a variety of settings and across disciplines, thus individualizing music therapy interventions to meet childrens specific needs. In addition, a music therapist may provide structured or semi-structured opportunities for children with and without disabilities to interact together in a music setting. Music therapists are creative, energetic, and positive. They demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

How Does Music Therapy Help Families?

Music Therapy can provide enjoyable yet purposeful activities and resources for families to share with their children. Families can learn to use music through meaningful play and nurturing experiences. Music therapy may serve as a positive outlet for interaction, providing fun activities that can include parents, siblings, and extended family. Often music therapy allows a family to see a child in a new light as the childs strengths are manifested in the music therapy environment.

Why Music Therapy?

Music therapy may address several needs simultaneously in a positive and exciting medium. It may provide pleasurable learning that promotes success. Furthermore, music therapy can greatly enhance the quality of life of the young child and his/her family. Music is often the first thing to which a child relates since it occurs naturally in our environment in many settings and is a socially appropriate activity and leisure skill. Music provides a predictable time-oriented and reality-oriented structure while offering opportunities for participation at ones own level of functioning and ability. Not only may music activities be opportunities for a child to "shine," but they may also be used to reinforce nonmusical goals. Most people, especially children, enjoy music - therefore, music therapy can be the therapy that reinforces all other therapies.

Endorsements from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA):

A Director of Education Services for a public school system affirms: "The inclusionary preschool music therapy sessions gave children an opportunity to make new friends and learn things about themselves and others. I saw major gains in the childrens social skills and in their attention spans. I wholeheartedly endorse the program and think that every child could benefit from music therapy."

An occupational therapists writes: "I love having a music therapist on our interdisciplinary team. When we co-lead sessions, I notice that the children are much more motivated to push themselves when working with such things as find motor control and range of motion activities."

The father of a 5 year-old child diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder observes: "Music therapy has helped my son to increase his concentration and attending. His eye contact has increased since participating in music therapy. Moreover, I believe that in part his increased use of language may be attributed to attending music therapy. Finally, he's developed an interest in music." (Child has participated in individual music therapy for 1 ½ years).

The mother of a 6 ½ year-old child diagnosed with Down Syndrome states: "Music therapy has helped my son to learn turn-taking, sharing, listening skills and some colors, animals, parts of the body and clothes." (Child participated in group music therapy for 2 years in preschool and then in individual music therapy for 1 ½ years).

The mother of 7 year-old twins, one diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and one diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, comments: "For one son, music therapy seems to have reduced an extreme sensitivity to sound. For both boys, the therapy has been a catalyst for improved sociability. Most of the time the boys seem to exist on parallel universes, but on the drive home from therapy they usually have a conversation." (The boys have participated in small group or partner music therapy sessions for two years).

The mother of an 8 year-old child with Apert Syndrome and Attention Deficit Behaviors notes: "Music therapy has (1) helped with my daughter's spontaneous speech; (2) allowed her to use her hands with many different textures and independently of each other; (3) expanded on her natural musical ability; and (4) helped her learn to focus and develop patience with music as the motivator." (Child participated in small group music therapy for 1 ½ years in preschool and in individual music therapy for 4 years).

The parent of a hospitalized child undergoing treatment for cancer relates: "Music therapy has been a tremendous benefit not only for my child, but also for our family. During music therapy time, my child is able to do fun things that help him forget about his pain. We are grateful to share some time with him doing things that bring back a smile to his face."

Where do Music Therapists Work?

In addition to early intervention centers, preschools and schools, music therapists offer services to individuals and groups in a variety of settings. These setting include, but are not limited to: mental health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, wellness programs, schools, nursing homes, senior centers, private practice, group homes, day care treatment centers, medical and psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse programs, hospice and bereavement programs, and correctional and forensic facilities. Some music therapists are self-employed and may be hired on a contractual basis to provide assessment, consultation or treatment services for children and adults.

(Information provided by the American Music Therapy Association).

How are fees for Music Therapy Determined?

Typically, fee structures are commensurate with other allied health profession fees. Fees are subject to several factors including: geographic location; therapist's experience and extent of advanced training; type of service; length of sessions; and location and costs to get to the music therapy service delivery location or site.

Who pays for Music Therapy Services?

Although music therapy is not readily reimbursed by insurance companies for most clients, claims can be filed for your specific case. Resources do exist such as Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance, and other sources from state or county foundations, school systems, grants, and private pay.

Where can I get More Information?

Please visit the related topics to the right for more specific information on Music Therapy with individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, with MR, in Special Education, with Pain, and with Medicine. Also, if you would like to sign up for music therapy services offered at Center of Development, Pediatric Therapies, in conjunction with Sunshine Music Therapy Services, please print and fill out the Welcome Packets paperwork, then call the Center of Development office to schedule an initial consultation appointment with the music therapist, free of charge.

Other Links/Information:

Center of Development, Pediatric Therapies www.developmentaldelay.net 1-931-372-2567 * 1-877-372-2567

Sunshine Music Therapy Services Jessica Willis, MT-BC, CCLS www.sunshinemusictherapy.com 1-888-38-SHINE * (1-888-387-4463)

American Music Therapy Association www.musictherapy.org (301) 589-3300

Music Therapy and Autism

Music Therapy and Mental Health

Adaptive Music Lessions

Music Therapy and Special Education

Music Therapy and Medicane

Music Therapy and Pain

Interested in Receiving Music Therapy?

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