Role of Music Therapy

[Julie Palmieri]

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

[Sean FitzGerald]

I believe music therapy can play a big role in community settings. It can be a fun and low pressure way to connect people to each other and outside resources that they may need. One setting I did a fieldwork placement in that isn’t similar to Sprouting Melodies in the slightest but could have some interesting parallels was a drop in center for homeless folks and people struggling with drug addiction in North Philadelphia. One of the main focuses we had there was to provide a space for people to come in and express themselves, unload whatever mental burden they may be carrying, and connect them with resources that could better their lives. I think Sprouting Melodies could have a similar effect to this through providing parents a space to talk about the struggles they are having and connect with other parents to strengthen their social networks. Also, having a collection of pamphlets for breast feeding support groups, other social activities, and things of that nature available to parents could be beneficial in connecting them with resources to make their lives easier!

[Kayla Stubblefield]

Yes! Low pressure for sure.

[Jorden Liteplo]

So one of the things that I was taught when I was doing my music therapy degree was the importance that a music therapist offers in performing live music. This allows us to do things like stop in the moment and appreciate a musical response or really tailor an activity to the energy level of the group that we’re running in a way that a music class that uses pre-recorded music just can’t do. I think we carry from our training a therapeutic presence and an ability to be with parents in a very vulnerable time in their lives. We teach music but there is also so much therapeutic use of self that goes into our classes. I have also found in my work with community groups with older kids ( elementary age) that I’m really using my tools from working with my kids with autism and nerodivergence. Firstly because development is development so these tools work with neurotypical kids too, but also community groups are usually inclusive so I wind up with kids with ADHD or behaviour issues a lot. And again, therapeutic use of self as a trustworthy adult with kids or people who are vulnerable in any way is everything.

[Angie Snell]

Well said, Jorden. Music therapists are trained to have the flexibility to respond in the moment and tailor the music to what is needed in the moment.

[Leah Strand]

Music Therapy in community based settings have a lot to offer. Number one being that we are creating our own community of connections with others going group similar things in life. It’s a setting to explore others in your community and other resources as well. This course can offer parents a place to be parents. Figure out what works best for their child and what doesn’t. Finding others with the same experiences can also help. Parents talking to parents and music being the common ground to get together. This can also be good or the little ones. To be around other little ones who make the act the same way and getting familiar with public spaces and different people. All around music therapy has a lot to offer in community based programs.

[Kayla Stubblefield]

I agree, they do have a lot to offer.

[Erika (TeamRH)]

I enjoyed reading each of your insights. Thank you for your thoughts.

[Kayla Stubblefield]

Music therapy plays an important role in community-based settings. Music therapists can empower people to use music in their day-to-day lives, in music therapy sessions and out of music therapy sessions. Music therapists can also aid others in connecting them to other music and arts-based resources in their area. I am currently facilitating music therapy sessions at a drug recovery facility for adolescents in Athens, OH. It is so inspiring to see my clients discuss how music impacts their everyday life and how each of their music has similarities and differences even though some of their cultures are different.

Music therapy also aids in community-based settings by making engaging in music a less daunting task. I like to put myself in a client’s shoes- sometimes having or not having prior music experience, struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health disorders. Music therapists can meet the client where they are and take their mind off of a “performance” mindset and guide them to a more “engaging in music AS therapy” mindset. I’m not sure if that makes any sense.

[Erika (TeamRH)]

Hi Kayla,

Thank you for your insights and perspectives. I think your thoughts make sense and you bring up an important point about the music as therapy mindset. When we encourage people to move away from judging their music making based on performative perspectives, people can engage deeply and get so much more from being in the music.

[Kayla Stubblefield]

Thanks so much! I think that can also go for music therapists too. I remember when I was a freshman in college, getting out of the performance mindset was the most challenging thing to tackle.

[Angie Snell]

I believe music therapy has the potential to play critical roles in community-based settings. During my years working for an Intermediate School District that provides services and professional development to all the schools in the county where I live, I was part of the district’s team to train and prepare general education (P through Post-Secondary) and the community in how to include all students in chronological age settings. The district and the Least Restrictive Environment team learned right away that music therapy had the power to break through fears and bring people together to build relationships could happen more quickly and with deeper meaning. Many lasting relationships developed that truly changed lives. Music therapy provided a way for people to get to know each other, recognize strengths and skills and the value of each unique personality. One of the ways that I was able to be part of this was to create expected community-wide events that involved people with and without disabilities. The ISD supported me in developing a county-wide music show that involved all 9 public schools and some of the private schools by invitation from the center-based school for students with disabilities. It grew into a highly valued part of the community and has continued on beyond my years spent there.

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