According to the American Music Therapy Association the definition of Music Therapy is as follows:
“Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”
In short, trained and credentialed music therapists use their skills to help others succeed at reaching their non-musical goals through the use of music intervention!
Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:
- Promote Wellness
- Manage Stress
- Alleviate Pain
- Express Feelings
- Enhance Memory
- Improve Communication
- Promote Physical Rehabilitation
At the OAS center, we have a Music Therapist on staff who is able to provide service to your child who has music therapy on his/her IEP. To learn more about music therapy and special education click here. Goal areas specifically targeted by music therapists in special education include:
- Social
- Cognitive
- Behavioral
- Physical
- Emotional
- Communication
- Sensorimotor
- Pre-academic/Academic
The American Music Therapy Association also provides a quick fact sheet about Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder that you may access here as well as information about Child and Adolescent behavioral health and Music Therapy here.
If your child is motivated by music or simply loves to make noise and sing, music therapy may be just the right fit!
Source: American Music Therapy Association | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). (1998). https://www.musictherapy.org/