What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy uses music to help people of all ages. It is suitable for everyone. You don’t need to have any musical training to participate. This form of therapy can be used for people who are suffering from an illness or to fit people. A scientific and evidence-based technique, this approach is effective in helping people manage a range of physical, mental, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.
What music therapy can help
This form of healing can be used for a range of illnesses and conditions. Here are some things this form of therapy can do:
Music therapy improves mental and emotional health and wellbeing
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Regulates moods and energy levels
- Increases motivation
- Manages anger and frustration
- Alleviates grief
- Manages challenging behaviours
Music therapy aids physical health
- Aids rehabilitative needs after a stroke or injury
- Improves gross motor function and control
- Improves fine motor function and control
- Improves balance and coordination
- Improves physical independence
- Regulates heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure
- Improves sleep
Music therapy improves speech, communication, and social skills
- Improves verbal and non-verbal skills
- Improves speech
- Improves social communication and interaction skills
- Promotes independence and self-confidence
- Gives positive ways to deal with situations
Music therapy improves memory, attention, and cognitive functions
- Supports learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia and so forth
- Improves memory and attention
- Increases core executive functions like self-awareness, inhibition, working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation, planning, and problem-solving
Music therapy aids pain management
- Reduces pain perception by increasing the body’s natural pain killers (endorphins)
- Supports recovery from medical procedures
Who will benefit from music therapy?
Music therapy can be used for individuals of all ages. It is used to treat a range of conditions including:
- ADHD
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety and stress
- Autism spectrum
- Bipolar disorders
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Personality disorders
- Post-operative recovery
- Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
- Physical disabilities
- Schizophrenia
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
How music therapy works
Music therapy is a specialised form of therapy. It employs a variety of activities including listening to music, playing an instrument, drumming to rhythm, writing music as well as guided images. Music interventions used in a therapeutic relationship help clients strengthened their abilities and improve the quality of their lives. Music is also a wonderful medium of communication for people who may have difficulty expressing themselves. It can also support physical rehabilitation, motivate people to become engaged in their treatment, and provide emotional support for clients and families.
Generally, sessions must be designed by a trained and certified music therapist. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s unique needs. The therapist takes into consideration key factors like the individual’s physical health, communication abilities, cognitive skills, emotional wellbeing, and interests. The therapist may use either creative, receptive or a combination of both types of processes to help the client achieve treatment goals.
The creative process involves the client actively participating in creating and producing music. Note: the client does not require any musical training to participate in the creative process. The therapist will ensure that activities are aligned to the individual’s needs and abilities. Activities can include playing an instrument, composing a tune, writing music lyrics, improvising a song, singing, and drumming. In the receptive process, the therapist offers the individual a range of music listening experiences such as using music for relaxation. These can include listening to music played by the therapist or recorded music. Clients are encouraged to discuss their thoughts, feelings or ideas elicited by the piece of music they interact with.
What is a Registered Music Therapist?
In Australia, a qualified music therapist must be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). To qualify for registration, a therapist must complete a recognised university degree in the discipline and maintain their skills through ongoing professional development approved by AMTA.
Top Kidz Music Therapy Programme
We are pleased to announce our new music therapy classes for children and adults. A talented musician, our resident music therapist is also a qualified therapist who is certified by the Australian Music Therapy Association AMTA). Our therapist also has a current Police Check and a Working with Children Check.
As a music academy, we offer a unique setting that allows the individual to be immersed in a full musical experience. To maximise the benefit of your music therapy, we also run yoga, language, and art classes in our academy.
We offer face-to-face as well as online sessions on a one-to-one or in a small group setting. All programmes are tailored to the specific needs of the individual (s). Prior musical experience is not necessary to participate in our sessions.
We welcome inquiries from individuals, parents, aged care providers, schools, and other establishments.
For more information about Top Kidz’s music therapy programme please contact on: contact@topkidz.com.au