Music Therapy
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“My music, that's me.”
"Music… breaks through the frustration of language and unites us…"
›› Bishop Richard Holloway
Music therapy is a therapeutic treatment with the use of music as the primarily non-verbal intervention. It is based predominantly on improvised music in which the children/clients can express themselves, become aware of their feelings and interact more easily.
Music therapy can help in areas including:
- Autistic spectrum disorder
- Communication disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Physical difficulties
- Mental health problems
- Emotional problems
- Challenging behaviour
- Palliative Care
- Trauma
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“There is something special about music shared by two people. It can become an intimate experience that develops relationships.”
Miriam Wood - Music Teacher
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What happens in a music therapy session?
Music is a powerful emotional medium, which has the power to touch everybody regardless of the nature of the disability or illness. In music therapy there is time for exploring, playing and listening to instruments with the support of a music therapist. It is interactive music which is spontaneously created by the child/client without any musical training or experience required. Accessible instruments such as tuned and untuned percussion are provided for them to play in the way and at the pace that suits their individual needs.
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| The therapist seeks to establish contact with the client in various ways such as through his/her music, vocal sounds, movement, words or facial expression. Over time it is likely that a trusting relationship will develop between the client and the music therapist. Through this established relationship, the client can experience and explore new ways of relating, leading to development and change. |
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What are the aims of music therapy?
The aims of music therapy are primarily non-musical and are determined by the needs of each individual.
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“Music performs as an embodied trust, comfort and self actualisation”
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Typically, they might include:
- Increasing communication, interaction and self expression
- Developing an awareness of self and others
- Providing emotional support
- Developing skills such as listening, sharing and turn-taking
- Developing co-ordination and motor control
- Increasing self confidence
- Building trusting and meaningful relationships.
Music therapy thus contributes to a child's/client's overall development, enabling him or her to reach their full potential in all settings. |
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Where do the referrals come from?
Referrals for music therapy can be made by:
- School Teacher/SENCO
- Care worker, parents
- Other relevant professionals (psychologist, speech therapist, etc.)
The music therapist will then assess the suitability of the client for music therapy. | | |
Downloads:
Music Therapy Referral Form (Word)
Music Therapy Referral Form (pdf)
Music Therapy Consent Form (Word)
Music Therapy Consent Form (pdf)
Music Therapy Information & Guidelines (Word)
Music Therapy Information & Guidelines (pdf)
Music Therapy Programme Development for 2010 pdf 136Kb Course booking form pdf 19Kb | | |
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Ben's story
Ben is a ten-year-old boy who is undertaking a re-introduction programme back into mainstream schooling having been previously expelled. He was referred to music therapy primarily as a way of managing anger.
The music therapy sessions are conducted at the same time and day each week for a half an hour duration, unless Ben chooses to end the session earlier. Read more ››
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| Photo: (L-R) Kathryn Lewis, Katie Alcock, Elizabeth Medrow, Patricia Herdianto | | |
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For further information please contact:
Patricia Herdianto
Music Therapy Department
County Music Service
Saltisford Office Park
Ansell Way
Warwick
CV34 4UL
Tel/Fax: 01926 742630
cms@warwickshire.gov.uk
Download brochures (PDF):
Music Therapy leaflet
Useful Resources
Association of Professional Music Therapists
61 Church Hill Road
East Barnet, Herts. EN4 8SY.
Tel: 020 84404153
e-mail: APMToffice@aol.com
www: www.apmt.org.uk
British Society for Music Therapy
61 Church Hill Road
East Barnet
Hertfordshire EN4 8SY
Tel: 020 8441 6226
Fax: 020 8441 4118
email: info@bsmt.org
www: www.bsmt.org |