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.  Your child will be provided with personalized support and encouragement to develop new skills and abilities. Structured music therapy can provide a non-verbal means of communication, an opportunity for self-expression, and an environment which offers an opportunity for success. Goals include:

• Improving attention span

• Development of expressive and receptive communication, social skills, self-awareness, self-confidence, fine motor skills and self-care skills

• Reinforcement of academic skills

Music therapy begins with an assessment that includes singing, listening, moving, and playing activities that will allow the therapist to observe your child’s behavior and interaction.  Communication is assessed along with cognitive/academic, motor, social/emotional, and musical skills.  Realistic goals and objectives are developed and therapy strategies are then implemented to address the unique needs of each child.  The therapist keeps data on progress and conducts ongoing evaluations.

How does music therapy make a difference for your child?

• Music captivates and maintains attention – the rhythm of music or a steady beat may help a child organize his or her environment and changing a rhythm to match a child’s level of activity may help a child stay with a task longer.

• While music is highly motivating, it can also have a calming and relaxing effect.  Specific experiences can be designed to help a child learn a repertoire of self soothing behaviors.

• Enjoyable music experiences are designed to be success-oriented and sessions are structured so that each child is able to participate and succeed at his or her own level.

• Music structures time and provides opportunities for repetition.  Within a song, a piece of information can be presented multiple times and children can learn to adjust their concentration and participation for the duration of the song.

• Music is a powerful memory aid.  (Think of how we all learned our ABC’s)

• Music provides a safe place to practice social skills. Music can be used for greetings and to express feelings, wants and needs, and to initiate conversation.

• Music can work in cooperation with speech therapy utilizing techniques such as breathing and vocalization exercises, song articulation experiences, word and phrase rhythm chanting experiences and vocabulary and concept development singing.

► More Information

• Click HERE for printable information on music therapy
• Call (248) 737-3430