What do music therapists do?
After assessing the strengths and needs of each child, qualified music therapists develop a treatment plan with goals and objectives and then provide the indicated treatment. Music therapists structure the use of both instrumental and vocal music strategies to facilitate changes that are non-musical in nature. They may improvise or compose music with children, accompany and conduct group music experiences, provide instrument instruction, direct music and movement activities, or structure music listening opportunities. Music therapists provide services for children with psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, neurological impairments, and many other special needs. Depending on the assessed goals of each child involved, music therapy sessions are offered on an individual or group basis. Music therapists are usually members of an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals who work collaboratively to address each ch
Assess cognitive skills, communication abilities, emotional well being, physical health and social functioning through musical responses Design music sessions for both individuals and groups based on their needs Use music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up
ASSESS physical , social, emotional, and cognitive abilities, as well as communication skills through musical and non-musical assessments. DESIGN therapeutic music experiences in order to meet individual client needs. IMPLEMENT specific music techniques in group and individual sessions. EVALUATE individuals progress and participate in treatment planning, evaluations, and follow up.
Music therapists do many things. I personally work with a variety of clients through a music contracting company. I work with children with severe emotional disturbance and also some with developmental handicaps. I also work in a nursing home. Outside of the contract work, I do a kindermusic program – an early childhood music program. Tell me what you do with the children. I work with them in their own homes once a week. Some of these kids have been abused, some have bipolar disorder, some have schizophrenia, quite a few have ADHD, some are autistic, cerebral palsy – all different kinds. The approach that I take is very improvisational. For example, a couple weeks ago I went to see one of my clients, he’s a 12-year old boy with mental retardation and schizophrenia. I actually see him in his school. This particular day he had had a very frustrating day in school. We started by singing the “hello” song we always sing, in which I kind of ask him how he’s doing. He said that he was very up
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, mental health, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, central nervous system functioning, sensory integration, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
