Role of Music Therapy

[Anonymous]

Share your thoughts on the role of music therapy in community-based settings on the forum.

[Aliza Llovet]

Music Therapy in a community-based program provides a warm engaging and welcoming space for all forms of caregiver, children, and abilities. Music Therapists are specialists in development and are partners with families on supporting their child be successful.

[Amy Brownell]

Agreed – it is so important to be inclusive and welcome all children of all abilities (within the right types of groups for them). Each child may not have the same family member as a main caregiver (parents, grandparents, others) and we need to include and support them all!

[Erika Svolos]

This question is a great way to help with how you market, present, and advocate for your services. Remember to save your response and to read others so that when you are talking about, advocating for, and/or presenting your services you have these to help you.

[Amy Brownell]

Community-based music therapy groups provide cost-effective ways for families and communities to come together and be the ‘village’ to support the growth and development of children. It provides education and music for adults to take home and use with their children on a daily basis. Music therapists understand how to manipulate the music to provide the best support for families and children as they grow, and the music can be tailored to specific needs.

[Aliza Llovet]

It does take a village and has been so missing during a pandemic.

[Amy Brownell]

Agreed – I feel that there is such a larger need for community based music making now more than ever, and this will continue into the coming years!

[Emily Fabian]

Community-based music therapy programs bring families together in a positive environment that creates the opportunities for children’s developmental growth through evidence-based music therapy interventions. By providing families with strategies through modeling and active participation, they can take music home and see the development and bond.

[Jessica Gelineau]

Community based music therapy experiences are a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to come together as a group, and support the well being and development of their child. It is also a great opportunity for parents to support one another in an accepting and warm environment. In my clinical experience, I find that parents are able to come together through the wonderful power of a music and experiences that we provide them as music therapists. Parents often feel very comfortable sharing challenges they are going through, and families and caregivers can all come together to problem solve, and come up with unique ways they can support their children.

[Amy Brownell]

I agree – it’s so important to support the parents as well as the children so that the parents can continue this support at home!

[Hannah Floyd]

Community Based MT creates a space for families, children, and others to create music in a safe space. Through this teamwork, clinical goals can be reached in a less intimidating environment. It also allows the parents to be able to explore these instruments with their children also. This promotes growth with the child, and also the bond between the child and their parent.

[Jessica Gelineau]

Hi Hannah, I loved your point about how a community based program fosters a less intimidating environment for families. It is often so hard for family members to come out of their shell if they are not confident in their musical skills, and I think being around other parents and caregivers can be really helpful!

[Anne Reed]

Community based music therapy offers people a sense of belonging and mutual support and care in a warm, welcoming environment that embraces the uniqueness of each individual. It is a conduit for development, learning, relationship building, and synchrony. I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments.

[Maggie Murphy]

I think that the existence of music therapy in community-based settings is particularly important because one does not necessarily need to have a diagnosis or medical condition to participate in Music Therapy or receive services from a Music Therapist. Music Therapy can be used to support wellness and development as well as support families with special needs. Because of this, all families can feel welcome and know that their needs will be met.

[Amy Brownell]

Very true – I was once at a marketing event where a parent looked at our sign and walked away saying, “My child doesn’t need music therapy.” Unfortunately I was unable to engage them in a further conversation. People with and without diagnoses can benefit from what we provide – there are so many options!

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