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: