Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Canadian Association for Music Therapy / Association de Musicothérapie du Canada
Annual General Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia, May 6, 1994
Research shows its countless benefits to children with serious illnesses. According to one study conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center, music therapy for patients who have undergone a bone-marrow transplant reduces their reports of pain and nausea and may even play a role in quickening the pace at which the new marrow starts producing blood cells. It has also shown to encourage expression of feelings. Difficult issues and painful realities, such as fear, grief, bereavement, and even explanations of medical procedures are explored warmly and creatively during music therapy sessions. What happens during a Music Therapy session in the patient setting? Following an initial assessment, the music therapist develops a plan of care to enhance and complement the treatment the child is receiving. A variety of music techniques are then used during a session (typically lasting 30-60 minutes) to address the specialized needs of each child. Sessions are designed to offer a positive experience for the child and his/her family, and are often recorded or videotaped for keepsake. Methods used during music therapy include:
» Singing» Drawing to music » Song writing» Moving to music » Playing instruments» Guided relaxation » Story-telling to music» Making personal tapes » Improvising» Listening
Benefits of Music Therapy Needs of hospitalized children vary according to age, developmental level, family relationships, and stage of illness or treatment. Through the process of creating and responding to music, significant benefits arise for a child and his/her family, including:
» Facilitate expression of feelings
» Increase and enhance social interaction
» Promote positive aspects of a child's life
» Provide opportunity to exercise choice/control
» Assist in reducing pain and anxiety
» Promote relaxation and sleep
» Promote exercise and activity
» Provide comfort
» Enhance quality of life
» Increase meaningful interactions with family members
Music Therapy Profession Music therapy is an established profession recognized in over 70 countries world-wide. To become an accredited music therapist requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor in Music Therapy and a post-degree 1000-hour internship. The Canadian Association for Music Therapy established in 1974 sets the standards for practise and ensures continuing education for its membership. Professional services are also provided by the Music Therapy Association of Ontario established in 1994. Currently there are approximately 450 music therapists in Canada and 120 in Ontario.
Canadian Association for Music Therapy / Association de Musicothérapie du Canada
Annual General Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia, May 6, 1994
Research shows its countless benefits to children with serious illnesses. According to one study conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center, music therapy for patients who have undergone a bone-marrow transplant reduces their reports of pain and nausea and may even play a role in quickening the pace at which the new marrow starts producing blood cells. It has also shown to encourage expression of feelings. Difficult issues and painful realities, such as fear, grief, bereavement, and even explanations of medical procedures are explored warmly and creatively during music therapy sessions. What happens during a Music Therapy session in the patient setting? Following an initial assessment, the music therapist develops a plan of care to enhance and complement the treatment the child is receiving. A variety of music techniques are then used during a session (typically lasting 30-60 minutes) to address the specialized needs of each child. Sessions are designed to offer a positive experience for the child and his/her family, and are often recorded or videotaped for keepsake. Methods used during music therapy include:
» Singing» Drawing to music » Song writing» Moving to music » Playing instruments» Guided relaxation » Story-telling to music» Making personal tapes » Improvising» Listening
Benefits of Music Therapy Needs of hospitalized children vary according to age, developmental level, family relationships, and stage of illness or treatment. Through the process of creating and responding to music, significant benefits arise for a child and his/her family, including:
» Facilitate expression of feelings
» Increase and enhance social interaction
» Promote positive aspects of a child's life
» Provide opportunity to exercise choice/control
» Assist in reducing pain and anxiety
» Promote relaxation and sleep
» Promote exercise and activity
» Provide comfort
» Enhance quality of life
» Increase meaningful interactions with family members
Music Therapy Profession Music therapy is an established profession recognized in over 70 countries world-wide. To become an accredited music therapist requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor in Music Therapy and a post-degree 1000-hour internship. The Canadian Association for Music Therapy established in 1974 sets the standards for practise and ensures continuing education for its membership. Professional services are also provided by the Music Therapy Association of Ontario established in 1994. Currently there are approximately 450 music therapists in Canada and 120 in Ontario.