What to Expect in a Music Therapy Session

Just how no two children are alike, music therapy sessions vary from client to client. What goes on inside a session depends greatly on your child’s/client’s needs and preferences. A typical session will include a hello song to indicate the start of the session, music interventions to work on social/emotional, perceptual/motor, language/communication, preacademic, and musical skills. A goodbye song closes the session and the work done within.

Without knowing the needs of you or your loved ones, here are some things you can expect in a music therapy session.

Music in the form of singing, dancing, playing, or listening
As you can expect, music will be present in some way, shape, or form in music therapy. Whether we sing a familiar song to facilitate speech or play the piano to strengthen and coordinate finger dexterity, you can expect to be filled with some sort of musical element during the session.

Patience
Music therapists have years of training with a wide variety of clientele in order to work with specific needs. With this training and vocation comes the skill of patience as music therapists know that the goals you are working on come with time. Like any therapist you may have worked with, research around your area and find a professional that meets you and your child’s needs.

Safe Environment
Depending on the music therapist’s specialties, their therapy space will be designed to work best with their clients. You may find a small, empty room for children who need close spaces to succeed, or a large gymnasium-type facility for those working on rehabilitation. Regardless of the specifics, the therapy space is a safe, confidential environment where the goal is to reach each client’s goals.

Learning and Self-Improvement
The purpose of music therapy is to guide you or your loved one into achieving the goals and objectives outlined either through an assessment, IEP, or other therapies. Each session is a stepping stone to the goal and each session will be a step closer to the desired direction.

Board-Certified Music Therapist
No matter the variables between professionals, the one thing in common for every music therapist is their certification. A music therapist will have completed an approved bachelors, equivalency, or equivalency masters college music therapy curricula, internship, and passed the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. When researching professionals, be sure to check that they have completed these steps and are in good standing with their certification.

For more information about music therapy, please visit www.musictherapy.org