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Classical Music Players

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a research-based allied health profession in which music is used to actively support people as they aim to improve their health, functioning and well-being.

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Music therapists use their therapy training and musical ability to facilitate interactive musical experiences to help clients achieve goals. These goals may include improved communication, cognition, physical function, mood, wellbeing, and/or spiritual goals.

Australian Music Therapy Association 2012

Music therapists support people of any age and ability. For children, common therapy goals include:

 

  • Communication(e.g. develop expressive and receptive language; improve speech, articulation and verbal communication; facilitate non-verbal expression)

  • Social skills (e.g. develop turn-taking, eye-contact, listening to instructions)

  • Cognitive skills (e.g. improve concentration / attention span, facilitating working memory)

  • Motor functioning (e.g. improve gross/fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination)

  • Emotional (e.g. understand and express emotions, develop emotional regulation strategies)

  • Psychological (e.g. increase self-confidence, articulate creativity, reduce anxiety)

 

Music therapists use different methods through a therapeutic relationship to address individual client goals. Music therapy can be 1:1 individual session or group session. Common music therapy activities include:

  • Singing

  • Music & Movement

  • Song writing

  • Music appreciation

  • Improvisation

  • Instrumental / Percussion playing

 

 

 

For more about what is music therapy, visit Australian Music Therapy Association.

 

To watch engaging case studies please visit RMTs Change Lives.

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