When you see a music therapy session in action without knowing what music therapy is, it can be difficult to understand what is actually happening when all you see is ‘just two people playing music together’.
Let’s look at one session earlier this year that Laura had with her Registered Music Therapist Grace Elliott, to see how music therapy processes can unfold.
Laura was referred to music therapy as she needs assistance with enhancing her communication skills, improving her mobility and enhancing her relationships with those around her. She has an affinity for music, so her mother hoped that music therapy could support her in these areas where she needs assistance.
Laura attends individual music therapy with Grace every week at Sound Expression. She comes with two support workers to support her complex needs, and her mother also joins most sessions.
The three main goals for Laura’s music therapy are focused on:
- Strengthening her regulation skills
- Improving her gross motor skills
- Enhancing her social and communication skills
In music therapy, a music therapist may invite you to sing, play on a variety of instruments and engage in movement activities. In Laura’s video, you will see how Grace uses different musical interventions to help Laura build her capacity.
When you become active in music-making, you are personally involved in a musical experience – tempo, rhythm, melody and harmony can all play a part. Music can engage you directly regardless of any conditions that restrict your life. It provides opportunities for participation, engagement, learning, celebration and interaction.
In this video, you’ll observe how these elements come into play as Laura interacts with Grace and the music, demonstrating progress towards her therapeutic goals, unlocking what seems like simple music-making between two people into a powerful tool for growth and connection.
