Music Therapy

WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?

Music Therapy is based on the assumption that any child can respond to music, no matter their level of difficulties. It can provide a secure framework for children who have difficulty expressing themselves through speech to release their emotions.

Music Therapy involves a relationship between the music therapist and a child in which music is used to promote change and growth in the child by improving their behaviour and emotional well-being. A music therapist also seeks to encourage the child to develop an increased sense of self-awareness.

Usually both the child and the music therapist take an active part in the sessions by playing, singing and listening.  The aim is not for the child to learn to play an instrument or to sing.  Rather, the child is encouraged to improvise and create their own musical language by using instruments that are easy to play (e.g. percussion instruments) and their own voices to explore the world of sound. The therapist encourages this process by responding musically.

WHO IS MUSIC THERAPY FOR AND HOW CAN IT HELP?

Music Therapy can be used to successfully for children (and adults) with a variety of problems such as Learning Disabilities, sensory impairments and physical, psychological or emotional disorders.

Music Therapy can be used to solve many problems and the benefit it can have for a specific child depends on their particular needs. For example, a child with physical disabilities who attends a mainstream primary school may lack confidence and assertiveness and the transition to secondary school may be traumatic. In Music Therapy, such a child may choose to impose themselves on the therapist by playing loud instruments. This provides the child with the opportunity to experiment with being assertive and expressing their feelings. A child should be able to use the skills that are gained from the therapy in other aspects of their life.

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Please note that every care is taken to ensure that the information included on this webpage is accurate. However, should you discover any information which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.

Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.