WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

All people possess varying levels of creativity. Music therapy employs music interactively to nurture a person's creative spirit. A board-certified music therapist identifies a client's needs through an initial assessment and plans a series of music therapy sessions to address identified goals and objectives.

An initial assessment measures the physical, behavioral, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, and musical abilities of a client. Based on the results of the assessment, the music therapist recommends a music therapy session plan and the frequency of such sessions.

The client, family, and friends are instrumental in developing a music therapy plan. However, the client and the therapist decide on the music selected and the preferred musical exercises. A music therapy session uses sing-along songs, percussion exercises, client-friendly instruments, pre-recorded CDs and tapes, movement, dance, and other musical media to afford the client an enjoyable environment for self-expression. Each session is tailored to the client's specific needs.

Music therapy can be conducted through one-on-one sessions or in a group format. A one-on-one session concentrates on the specific challenges faced by the client. Music therapy in group sessions addresses the individual needs of each member of the group, as well as the social interaction and dynamics of the group.