“Did you say music therapy?? What is that?” This is a question I hear on a regular
basis. The answer can be as simple as using music in therapy. But what exactly
does that mean?
The official definition of 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.”
(musictherapy.org)
Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- Promote
Wellness
- Manage
Stress
- Alleviate
Pain
- Express
Feelings
- Enhance
Memory
- Improve
Communication
- Promote
Physical Rehabilitation
Ok so that’s great but this definition still
leaves you to wonder…what is music therapy? What do you do?
Music therapy can be difficult to definite
because it encompasses so much. Music therapists work with a variety of
individuals. I have worked in nursing homes, hospice facilities, preschools,
high schools and rehabilitation programs.
Music therapists also work in hospitals, correctional facilities,
special education programs, halfway homes, wellness groups…the list can go on.
To gain a better understanding of music therapy
I’m going to focus on music therapy for children with different disabilities.
There are many similarities between this focus of music therapy and the
teachings of Suzuki and CYM.
As you probably well know it is not just about
learning an instrument here at CYM. There is so much an individual gains from
active participation in music and learning an instrument. Mr. Ryan shared a quote with you all in his
article “Points for Parents” that truly resonates with what music therapy is
all about. The quote comes from the man
himself, Dr. Suzuki:
"Teaching
music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble
human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth,
and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and
endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."
When I first read this quote it struck a special
chord with me (pun intended!). I knew
that I was working for a center that understood the “back stage” of learning an
instrument.
This
“back stage” includes developing the following abilities: to listen, observe,
concentrate, perform, and persevere. Above all this back stage includes
developing abilities of the heart: the self-expression and creativity that goes
into music. (Jeanne Luedke Parent
Education Newsletter)
Music
therapy makes it possible for everyone to work on these abilities.
The traditional music lesson is not suitable for every child. This is where
music therapy comes into play. A music therapist is able to meet the needs of
the individual by adapting music experiences. These music experiences are
varied and involve the children in creating music.
Music experiences may involve:
·
Moving to music
·
Playing different instruments
·
Singing
·
Playing as a part of an ensemble
·
Writing Songs/ Creating musical stories
Utilizing music in
this way creates the opportunity for these children to discover, search,
relate, explore and learn. Music therapy
is different for each person because everyone is unique. How each of us
responds to and relates to music is different. Music therapy takes the time to
respect and recognize these differences to help children in reaching their full
potential, to continuously develop and grow in their abilities.
Music therapy doesn’t
look like a music lesson, but there is one similarity for sure. Music is being created.
Come to the workshop Music Therapy is for Everyone to learn more!
Great resources/articles to learn more on music
therapy:
· Musictherapy.org
(the official website for the American Music Therapy Association)
· http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/
(Nordoff-Robbins “Music Transforming Lives”)
· http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/23/health/music-therapy/
(article on music therapy)
Please feel free to
contact me at kschnieder@youngmusicians.org
with any questions you may have about this article, music therapy and/or the
upcoming workshop!
