music therapy info- Cathy

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Music Therapy for People with Developmental

Disabilities

A Rationale

The degree, type, and number of deficits in life skill areas

ehibited by persons with developmental disabilities are unique to

each individual. Music therapy experiences are constructed to meed

these individual needs. Because all music therapy experiences are

adaptable for use in group settings, many different needs can be

serviced with the same experience.

A substantial body of published literature concludes that music

therapy is a viable mode of treatment for this population. Hanser

summarizes the literature on music therapy with this population by

saying, " No matter how profound the disability music therapy enhances

functional abilities while simultaneously enriching creative and

expressive capacities. Enabling each person to participate in some

way at his/her own level of competence, a music experience challenges

growth....using a success oriented medium. " (Hanser.1987. Music

Therapist's Handbook.) All persons possess the ability to experience

music in ways that can improve the quality of life, no matter their

level of functioning in life skill areas. They simply need a support

system to tap into their own natural resources.

Used as a therapeutic tool, music:

effects direct contact on a psychological basis with people, even

those who are often unreachable

facilitates expression in people who are nonverbal or have deficits

in communication skills

provides the opportunity for experiences that open the way for, and

motivate learning

creates the opportunity for positve,successful, and pleasurable

social experiences

developes an awareness of self, others, and the environment

Music therapy can help individuals reach their full potential.

The music is not used as a background to therapy, but as the primary

medium for expression. Many hidden skills come alive during a music

therapy session because of the non-threatening, creative nature of

music itself. Dr. Oliver Sacks says, " Including music therapy is no

luxury, it's essential. " (1997. Music Therapy for Older Adults.)

FAQ's about Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music and music experiences by

a trained professional to enable people to attain better physical,

psychological, emotional, and/or spiritual health. It is, simply

put, music experiences, implements by a music therapist, for positive

health changes

How are Music Therapists trained?

There are at least 3 levels to the training and education of a music

therapist. First requirement is completion an an approved collegiate

program. Minimum degree requirement is a bachelor's degree. Second

requirement is successful completion of a supervised internship. This

internship can be done in a number of different settings across the

country. Final requirement is a passing grade on the Board

Certification Exam for Music Therapists. The CBMT is an independent

body that establishes policies, procedures, and standards for board

certification in music therapy. Further training in many areas is

available through graduate studies and various, independent training

facilities.

Who do Music Therapists work with?

Music therapists work with people of all ages with any variety of

needs. Some common populations served by music therapists :

Children, adolescents, adults, and/or older adults coping with:

autism, speech impairments, physical disabilities, emotional

disorders, Parkinson's, general dementia problems, Alzheimer's,

developmental disabilities, pyschiatric conditions, terminal

illnesses, behavioral problems

Where do Music Therapists work?

Almost everywhere. They can be found in homes, schools, hospitals,

geriatric facilities, daycare/treatment centers, hospices, private

offices, mental health centers, forensic facilities, group homes, and

early intervention programs around the world

What do Music Therapists do?

Thes same duites as other health professionals, only through musical

means. Assessment of relevant areas through musical responses,

planning, of goal oriented music sessions, implementation of those

plans, and evaluation of clients' progress. Non musical skills are

assessed,worked at, and evaluated through musical experiences.

What can be expected during a Music Therapy session?

During a session many different music experiences may be utilized.

Singing, improvisation, movement to music, lyric, anlaysis,

composition, and performance are all possible ingrediants in the

music therapy session plan. Every session is planned and implemented

for that particular group and/or person. Because of this, no two

sessions will be the same, though they may include similar experiences

MUSIC THERAPY INFORMATION SHEET

Example goal areas of music therapy include:

Communication: Through vocal improvisation and pre-composed songs

addressing development and learning, individual can increase:

Exploration of vocal range and abilities

Experiementation vith verbalizations

Expressive and receptive language skills

Articulation and speech/language rhythm patters

Cognitve: Through improvisations and question/answer learning songs

individuals can increase:

recall and sequencing

logice and cause/effect relationships

processing abilities

Sensorimotor: Through instrument playing and singing, individuals can

increase:

fine motor and grasping skills

gross motor and range of motion abilities

diaphragmatic motor skills

lip closure

Affective/Emotional: Through active music making and song writing

individuals can increase:

effective verbal expression of emotions

nonverbal forms of expression

stress and anger management

Social: Through group music experiences individuals can increase:

effective, positive interaction with peers

self concept, trust, and respect of others.

By using music in and as therapy, individuals can find enjoyment in

the therapeutic process. Thus, they often invest more effort in

setting and accomplishing goals which increase development and their

overall quality of life.