MUSIC THERAPY
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a research-based profession in which music interventions are used to achieve therapeutic goals formulated by qualified music therapists. Each session is tailored to cater clients’ assessed needs and to promote their health and well-being.
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At Soundness Studio, our team of experienced music therapists provide specialised service to children with special educational needs (SEN).
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Music therapy can benefit SEN children in various areas:
Behaviour
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Managing challenging behaviour
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Enhancing skills in behaviour regulation
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Developing a positive behaviour plan
Cognition
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Increasing various types of attention (sustained/divided/selective etc.)
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Increasing memory
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Increasing sensory processing and integration
Communication
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Improve verbal and non-verbal communication
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Improve physical speech function (speech articulation/intonation etc.)
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Develop social communication skills
Motor Skills and Mobility
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Increasing fine/gross motor function and control
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Increasing oro-motor control
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Improving balance
Mood and Emotions
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Improving self-regulation
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Increasing emotional awareness
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Reduce stress and anxiety
Social Skills
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Developing eye contact
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Promote appropriate social interaction
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Promote waiting and turn-taking skills
What happens in a music therapy session?
Qualified music therapists create unique and individualised music experiences with a wide range of techniques. Interventions may include listening to music, making music by playing an instrument or singing together or writing original lyrics and songs.
All these interventions are tailored to the needs of the client.
Is music therapy effective?
The benefits of music therapy are supported by research over the years. It is recognised as an allied health profession in countries like USA, Australia, Uk and Canada. Each therapy programme is carefully planned based on the assessment of client’s needs. Therapy goals are evaluated regularly to ensure the programme is benefiting our clients.
To learn more about music therapy, please check out:
World Federation of Music Therapy
https://wfmt.info
American Music Therapy Association
https://www.musictherapy.org
Australian Music Therapy Association
https://www.austmta.org.au
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
https://voices.no
How is music therapy different from music education?
The main goal of music education/ lessons is music-focused. For example, to learn an instrument, sing or read music.
Music therapy focuses on therapeutic goals that are not musical. Qualified music therapists create music experiences aiming to address client’s specific needs such as to reduce anxiety level or to improve speech.
Who are qualified music therapists?
Qualified music therapists are allied health professionals who have completed their academic coursework and clinical training at tertiary institutions (usually a Master’s degree). They also need to be registered with the registration board of the country they received their education. Qualified music therapists are bound by a code of ethics and are required to prove their continual professional development.
Qualified music therapists’ credential varies in different countries. For example, In USA it is Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC); in Australia it is Registered Music Therapist (RMT).