Music Therapy

There are many alternative therapies available to kids that help work on the fundamentals of speech, gross and fine motor skills, cognition, etc. Although, they are not always recommended, they can prove very helpful to many children. One type that is emerging in the therapy community is music therapy. Ashley Lundquist, a certified music therapist, explains what it entails and how it can help your child.

What is music therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-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. –American Music Therapy Association

Basically, music therapy utilizes musical activities to encourage improvements in goal areas specific to client needs.  One misconception of music therapy is that music therapists work on MUSICAL goals.  We actually do not usually do so.  The job of a music therapist is to work on NON-MUSICAL goals specific to client need.  There are times when a music therapists is working on musical goals, but these goals usually relate to client need.  For example, a client may need to work on listening and attention.  The music therapist can use rhythmic activities to improve client’s understanding of rhythm while also working on attention and listening skills.

What populations do music therapists work with?

There are many different populations and facilities in which a music therapist works.  Here are just a few :

• Special Education
•  Pre-K
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Psychiatrics
• Rehabilitation (Physical/Neurologic)
• Hospice
• NICU
• Troubled Teens/Juveniles

They can also work in these types of facilities :

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Private Clients (in home/office)
• State Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Prisons/Detention Centers
• Shelters
• Rehabilitation Centers

What goal areas do music therapists address for clients with developmental delays?

Many music therapists work with children, adults, and teens with intellectual and developmental delays.  With these people, there are some specific and common goals that a music therapist will commonly address :

• Physical
• Gross and Fine Motor (walking, range of motion, pincer/palmer grasp, etc.)
• Communication
• Speech (articulation, verbalizations, vocalizations, sign language, technology assisted, etc.)
• Nonverbal/Verbal
• Cognitive
• Attention, Following Directions, Memory, Academics, Sequencing, Impulse Control
• Social
• Social Interaction, Eye Contact, Participation
• Emotional
• Emotional Expression, Self Expression, Mood

What types of musical interventions does a music therapist use?

A music therapist must be efficient with many different musical processes.  They can use a variety of ways to encourage the client is engaged and showing progress :

• Song Writing
• Lyric Analysis
• Instrument Playing
• Group Ensemble
• Drum Circle
• Singing/Chanting
• Drawing to Music
• Movement to Music
• Musical Stories
• Musical Game
• Relaxation
• Dancing

What is the process of music therapy?

There is a process when a music therapist works with an individual for music therapy services.  They music first be assessed to see if they are a good candidate for music therapy.  The therapist determines this by observing and documenting client reactions and interest in music therapy activities.  Here is a break down of the music therapy process:

• Referral - client is referred to the music therapist through a doctor, parent, therapist, etc.
• Background - info- therapist gathers background information on the client
• Observation - client observes the client in a non-musical/musical setting
• Assessment - therapist writes an assessment report based on observation documentation and finding, therefore, determining if the client is eligible for music therapy services
• Treatment Plan - if client is eligible, therapist creates a treatment plan of musical activities with goals and objectives
• Treatment - therapist carries out this plan in weekly sessions
• Documentation - therapist documents and provides progress notes on client progress and improvement over time
• Evaluation - therapist evaluates client progress in a quarterly report and updates any goal areas that have been met or not met
• Recommendation - therapist recommends if therapy duration/frequency should change
• Termination - therapist or client terminates therapy due to external issues (such as moving away or financial reasons) or lack of progress over a long period of time

Music therapy is much more than just entertainment as many people perceive it.  It is a researched and scientific field that creates wonderful outlets for client expression.  Music therapy is still a new field as it began only in the 1950s.  It is continually expanding and more individuals are discovering the healing benefits.