What is Music Therapy?

“Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional who develops individualized treatment and supportive interventions with people of all ages and ability levels to address their social, communication, emotional, physical cognitive, sensory and spiritual needs” (Certification Board for Music Therapists).

• Music therapy is not music instruction- the main goal is not learn how to play an instrument
  
  
• Music therapy is not music education- the main goal is not to learn notes and rhythm
  
  
• Music Therapy is not simply fun activities- the therapist selects specific music interventions to address treatment goals

"Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child's potential for development."

– Dr. Clive Robbins, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Clinic

Why Music Therapy?

Current research confirms that musical experiences create and strengthen neural pathways in every area of the brain. Music is shown to activate all areas of the brain simultaneously, including networks associated with motor control, memory, speech, emotion, etc.

Music therapy complements and enhances other therapies, such as physical, speech, and occupational therapies, and can provide a creative and enjoyable way to engage and motivate the child. Music can also provide an outlet for expressing emotion in appropriate, non-threatening ways.

The American Music Therapy Association says,

Music therapy may address several needs simultaneously in a positive and exciting medium: it may provide pleasurable learning that promotes success. Furthermore, music therapy can greatly enhance the quality of life of the young child and his/her family. Music is often the first thing to which a child relates. It is a “universal language” that crosses all cultural lines. Music occurs naturally in our environment in many settings and is a socially appropriate activity and leisure skill. Music provides a predictable time-oriented and reality-oriented structure while offering opportunities for participation at one's own level of functioning and ability. Not only may music activities be opportunities for a child to “shine,” but they may also be used to reinforce nonmusical goals. Most people, especially children, enjoy music – therefore, music therapy can be the therapy that reinforces all other therapies (www.musictherapy.org).

"(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort -- between demoralization and dignity."

– Barbara Crowe, past president of the National Association for Music Therapy

Treatment Process

• Referral
• Assessment
• Treatment
• Evaluation
• Termination

Goals of Music Therapy

The goals of music therapy are specific and individualized for each child to address his/her strengths and need. Typical music therapy goals include, but are not limited to:

To increase motor skills

• Gross motor- coordination, range of motion
• Fine motor- grasping, dexterity, finger independence

To increase cognitive skills

• Attention
• Memory, sequencing
• Support academic concepts

To increase speech/communication skills

• Receptive- understanding language, following directions
• Expressive-functional speech, articulation

To increase social/emotional skills

• Eye contact
• Sharing and turn taking
• Greetings and socially appropriate behaviors
• Appropriate emotional expression

To increase sensory integration

• Self regulation
• Sensory defensiveness/sensitivities

Interventions

• Singing
• Instrument Playing
• Movement to music
• Music listening
• Song writing
• Improvisation

Training

A certified music therapy has met specific requirements necessary for safe, competent practice.

• B.A. in Music Therapy
• Internship
• Board certification exam
• Continuing education

Meet the S.E.E.K. Arizona Music Therapists:

Rebecca Mosqueda, MT-BC, Music Therapy Supervisor

      Rebecca graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy in December 2002. She completed her internship with the Glendale School District and FACES, a preschool and toddler program for at-risk children through Crisis Nursery. She started practicing music therapy in January 2004, providing 1:1 home-based services through Music on the Move to children with developmental disabilities ages 2-24, as well as group sessions in the Tempe Union High School District and Chandler Unified School District special needs classrooms. In July 2006, Rebecca came to S.E.E.K. Arizona where she had previously worked as a Respite/Habilitation provider to join the Music Therapy team! She has had the pleasure to supervise/mentor student therapists from the ASU Music Therapy program and has begun plans to offer a University-Affiliated Internship program through S.E.E.K. Arizona. 

Kristin Korr, MT-BC

      Kristin graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. She completed her Music Therapy internship in Denver, Colorado with Lori Sanders at Metro Music Therapy. During her internship, Kristin worked with a variety of clientele including: geriatrics, hospice care patients, adolescents in group homes, pediatrics, and patients in hospital settings. Kristin moved to Arizona after completing her internship in July 2005 and has been a working professional since then, working with children with developmental disabilities in clinic and home-based settings. 

Bethani Rassmussen, MT-BC

      Bethani Rassmussen studied psychology at the University of Minnesota for 2 1/2 years. She then transfered to the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where she received her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy.  She worked with the St. Paul Public school district Music Therapy program for her internship. There Bethani conducted group music therapy for the Special Education program grades K-4, as well as for children with emotional behavioral disorders at the school.  In July of 2007 she moved to Arizona to continue her professional career in Music Therapy.  
 

Music Therapy Opportunities at S.E.E.K.

For Kids and Families:

EarlyChildhoodFlier

Summer Music Camp - June 2008

Spring Recital - May 30, 2008, 5-7pm

For Music Therapists and Students:

Arizona State University Affiliated Internship Program

MT Internship Information and Application Process

MT Internship Application

To email resume and/or to request job information, click here.

To schedule a student observation, click here.

An early childhood developmental music group for typical, at-risk and diagnosed children at the developmental level of 2-3 ½ years. Click here for more information.

Music Therapy Links

American Music Therapy Association
www.musictherapy.org

Certification Board of Music Therapists
www.cbmt.org

National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations
www.nccata.org