What is Music Therapy

A Litte Bit About What We Do

• What is Music Therapy?

  Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)

• What is NMT?

  Neurological Music Therapy, or NMT is defined as the therapeutic application of music to cognitive sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system. NMT is evidenced based (scientific and clinical research) and techniques are standardized goals directed toward functional non-musical therapeutic goals.

• What do music therapists do?
  Music therapists assess emotional well being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, 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. They participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation and follow up treatment for numerous medical conditions.

Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?

Conditions we can help:

• Childred, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental or learning disabilities.
• Adults with Alzheimers's disease and other aging related conditions(i.e. dementia)
• Substance abuse problems
• Brain Injuries(TBI)
• Physical disabilities.
• Acute and chronic pain(including mothers in labor).
• Pre-mature infants and infants in NICU.

Myths About Music Therapy?

• Myth: The client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy
  WRONG: They do not.
  
• Myth: There is one particular style of music that is more theraputic than the rest.
  THIS IS NOT THE CASE: All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient's life. The individual's preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

What are adaptive lessons?

Adaptive piano and guitar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specialized populations including; children and adults with developmental disabilities, people with physical disabilities, and people with learning disabilities. These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar while increasing self discipline, self awareness, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.