What is Music Therapy?
Introduction to Music Therapy
Music therapy is the evidence-based practice of using music to support people to improve their mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing. It is used in a variety of different settings, with various populations, and engages people in many different ways. At Little Lamb Music, we work mostly with children to help them improve skills that support their daily functioning and quality of life, but engage clients of all ages in music therapy sessions.
What Benefits Does Music Therapy Provide?
Music therapy is the evidence-based clinical use of music interventions to accomplish individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. In Australia, a Registered Music Therapist must complete a Masters-level qualification to practice music therapy.
There are many benefits that music therapy can provide for children. Music therapy can help improve communication skills, social skills, and overall cognitive development in children. Additionally, music therapy can help develop gross and fine motor skills, as well as strengthen academic performance.
Its non-verbal nature enables music to be an accessible stimulus that is not limited by individual capacity. Through music therapy, children can learn to express themselves in a non-verbal way, which can be very empowering. Additionally, music therapy can provide a sense of achievement and success, which can boost self-esteem.
How to Access Music Therapy Services
If you or your child are interested in music therapy, there are a few ways to access services. You can:
-Contact a music therapy organisation in your area: Many cities and states have music therapy organisations that can help connect you with a qualified music therapist.
-Look for a music therapy program at a hospital, hospice, or rehabilitation centre: Many healthcare facilities offer music therapy programs.
-Ask your child’s school if they have a music therapist on staff: Some schools have full-time or part-time music therapists who work with children.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Australian Music Therapy Association (AustMTA) has a searchable database of board-certified music therapists. You can search for a therapist by location, type of practice, and specialty. You can search here: https://www.austmta.org.au/consumers-resources/find-an-rmt/
How Do I Know If My Child Is a Candidate for Music Therapy?
No matter where your child is at in their age or development, you may be wondering if music therapy is right for them. Here are some questions to ask yourself that can help you decide if music therapy is right for your child:
1. Does my child enjoy music?
2. Does my child respond to music?
3. Does my child have difficulty communicating verbally?
4. Does my child struggle with social interaction?
5. Does my child need help with self-regulation?
6. Would my child benefit from a non-verbal form of communication?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then music therapy may be a good option for your child. Music therapy can help children in a variety of ways, and is facilitated differently for each individual, taking into account your child's preferences and strengths. For more information on music therapy services in Australia, find out more at https://www.austmta.org.au/.
If you think music therapy might be right for your child, you can search for a Registered Music Therapist in your local area by heading to the Australian Music Therapy Association at https://www.austmta.org.au/consumers-resources/find-an-rmt/.
