Yoga-based Music Therapy

Anyone who has an interest or enjoys music, singing, playing an instrument or listening to music can benefit! Whether it’s a stressed-out parent, an at-risk youth, a preschooler or a school age child or youth or senior citizen, music therapy is a flexible modality that can be used to work towards non-music related goals (as well as music-related goals at times).

Music Therapy is a technique that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs for individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

promote wellness manage stress alleviate pain express feelings enhance memory improve communications promote physical rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of health care and educational settings. It works well integrated with other therapies. Quite simply, Music Therapy is about using MUSIC for non-musical goals.

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a qualified professional. Whew! I said that all in one breath! In other words, music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. Goal areas include, but are not limited to, motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness, and spiritual enhancement.

But don’t let the big words scare you away! It’s really quite fun, and my unique approach to it incorporates Yoga and relaxation techniques. Consider it advanced stress management set to the soundtrack of your life! While I am not a Music Therapist, I offer several variations of music therapy techniques for different age groups:

Musical Me: Expression and experiences for young children

Children are encouraged to express themselves through music, creative movement and music-related activities. Each class offers a multitude of experiences that enrich their lives. The goal of the class is for children to enjoy their musical experiences and that enjoyment builds their self-esteem through positive and fun group interactions. It also offers an avenue for appropriate self-expression.These classes incorporate fun relaxation techniques and offer opportunities for children to express themselves through singing, the use of rhythm instruments, dancing with scarves or ribbons and trying out various musical props.If you need to know more about Musical Me, just ask me.

Musical Mind: Stress reduction for children and adults

Focuses on stressed out children/adults who need an outlet for relaxation and both physical and mental well being. With this small class, I incorporate guided imagery with yoga, creative movement and drawing and painting to music. Ask me for all the details. You are never too young or too old to learn which is why I offer Private Stress Management For Adults. Many people who start taking music lessons as adults are doing so because they didn’t or weren’t able to when they were younger. There is usually much more going on than just improving musical skills. These lessons are often about breaking through fears or old bad habits (negative self-talk) that have built up over the years. I employ lots of music and healing techniques, especially relaxation and visualization along with physical movement with the music and yoga.

Brain Respiration

Creative, and productive. Brain Respiration trains the brain using three interrelated and distinct elements:

1. Physical Coordination Exercises for the physical body
2. Energy Movement Exercises for the mind
3. Awareness Expanding Exercises for the spiritual body.

ultimate goal of Brain Respiration is to elevate human awareness to the level of conscious mastery over all aspects of its existence. The many concrete benefits of Brain Respiration include: enhanced health, brightened outlook, increased creativity and innovation, heightened academic capability, and improved ability to interact harmoniously with others.

Ready for Lessons? Get in Touch!