What is Music Therapy?

“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.

Please feel free to contact me at kschnieder@youngmusicians.org with any questions you may have about this article and/or music therapy at CYM!

-Ms. Kate Schneider, MT-BC and Early Childhood Music at CYM