What value do music therapists provide to young families?

This is such a great question to get us thinking about how our background and skills are unique and valuable to the communities we work in.

I think the value music therapists have for families comes in many ways: 1) we’re goal oriented- We can provide experiences and songs for kiddos in our groups specifically designed to help determine and then help to reach developmental levels. 2) Music therapy does come from a therapeutic mindset, so we are EDUCATED on certain milestones and things to look for as well as in what a healthy parent/child relationships and can pass on that knowledge to parents who might not know those things. 3) Music therapy is individualized and having the ability and knowledge on how to address individual needs within a group makes us better as group leaders as well. 4) And last but not least, we as music therapists are compassionate and empathetic, which are characteristics that parents, especially new parents will need those in the leaders of programs they select for their children.

This question really got me thinking about what qualities are inherent to music therapists and our value, what do we “bring to the table” as compared to other early childhood professionals.

One thing that really stands out to me is inclusivity. Not just for differing ages and abilities, but also for people who are just overwhelmed or uncertain. The mindset of “every stays, everyone plays” is not unique to music therapy necessarily, but it is evident in music because everyone is able to find a role. By being in music, you are participating. Everyone here in this experience, in this moment, together. This lends opportunities for bonding in a safe space of playfulness and creativity.

Music therapists also work so fully with a child. We are trained to observe so many developmental milestones. We see children reaching, or not reaching, age-specific speech, fine and gross motor skills, and emotional developments, and we can communicate these things to parents. For most of the clients I work with, they already have a diagnosis and parents are aware of where their children may have developmental delays. However, what is so important for them is to see where their child is thriving! This is something we are able to do in music. I love when I am able to highlight the achievements I am seeing.

Music therapists are unique in what we can bring to the table as educators when families have questions regarding their child’s development, as musicians with a trained ear who might pick up on vocalizations and other cues that others may not, as therapists who are trained in areas of psychology as well as the ideas of empathy and compassion, and of course as clinicians who are trained to help guide the children and their families in connecting through music. Typically, I’ve found that the families searching for these types of music experiences are craving connection with their children and usually WANT to grow in that sense. They may not always feel comfortable and secure in their child’s development, but they typically want to know more and are seeking knowledge. We are trained through our degree programs, but also through trainings such as this as well as a variety of other CMTE programs to be a solid source of knowledge for these families. I also take pride in knowing that I have developed an approachable personality and humanistic way of working with my clients. I feel that this is important when trying to incite families in to that “everybody stays, everybody plays” mindset.

I enjoyed reading everyone’s insights.

I think music therapists provide an incredible value to young families. We provide another source of information about their growing, transforming child, and we can provide a sense of community with other parents and children who are going through the same situation. A music therapist can observe, identify, and explain developmental milestones to parents so they can understand their child better. Music therapists can provide environments that are free from rigid expectations and is simply open for learning and exploration. We can provide structured yet flexible music therapy experiences in which parents and children can bond in a new way. What we, as music therapists, offer to young families is so unique and should really be available to everyone.

Because we are becoming increasingly recognized as a profession, Music Therapists are so valuable to young families. For many other professions, there is not a lot of opportunities for children to receive groups done by other professionals unless there is a diagnosis. What is so exciting and value about Music Therapy is that we can work with anyone at any age or stage. So, we are providing the opportunity for children of any kind to experience social/emotional groups and opportunities to foster those skills and teach the families how they can continue to foster the development outside of the Music Therapy setting. I also believe that through the music, we are providing non-threatening, easily accessible strategies that families can feel comfortable doing at home. Modeling a safe, nurturing, judge-free, and fun environment is an important step in that process.

There is so much value that a music therapist can bring to the families they work with! Music Therapy training encompasses so many different areas such as early childhood development, psychology, intellectual and developmental disorders and so much more. Many other therapies do not focus on this multitude of areas that knowledge from MTs then can be shared with the families they work with. Music therapists are also taught to be highly individualized and focus on the needs of the clients and their families. Catered sessions and resources can be created to aid the families. Music Therapy is also a safe place for families to develop and bond together. Songs and activities are accessible that the families can take them home and continue to use them to bond and grow!

I think music therapists provide so much knowledge and empathy. It is so hard being a new parent, especially now during the pandemic. You feel stretched in so many new ways as a person. It’s wonderful to have a professional who brings a tool (music) that is so motivating for children and families alike, the knowledge to educate families about child development and apply it with music, and the empathy to be a listening ear to parents.