The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 2nd Issue | Page 16

What is Music Therapy?

What is
Music Therapy?
>>>>Ryan Judd

A

fter 14 years of practicing music therapy with children with special needs, I still have moments
where I step back and say, “Wow, this is powerful stuff!” I feel so fortunate to work with
these kids and to see them learn, grow and develop through our time together. Many of you
may be wondering what music therapy is and how it benefits children with special needs, so
let’s take a look.
Music Therapy is a research-based health care profession that uses music to help clients reach their
therapeutic goals. Ok, that sounds interesting, but what exactly does that mean? Let’s break it down.

Research-based
points to the fact that the
techniques and methods
that music therapists use
are based on research
that is being done
at many universities,
hospitals and institutions
throughout the world.

Uses music to help clients
reach their therapeutic goals

Health care profession

means that music therapists
help clients work on goals
that might typically be
found on an Individualized
Education Plan (IEP). For
example, a music therapist
working with a child with
Down syndrome might
address a speech goal of
improved articulation.

means that music
therapy is a field that is
based on rehabilitative
and medical models.
It is akin to such fields
as physical therapy,
speech therapy, or
occupational therapy.

One important point to make about music therapy is that the focus is on non-musical goals. Sure, we use
instruments and music to address these goals, but it is not our primary aim to teach clients how to play
an instrument or learn how to read music. It is all about using music to help children learn and improve
developmental skills such as motor or speech/communication skills.
Now that we have a better idea of what music therapy is, let’s take a look at some of the benefits. Music
therapists who work with children with special needs address developmental goals in the following
areas:

facebook

16

twitter