The clinical definition of Music Therapy is that Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs for individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.  Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

·                     promote wellness

·                     manage stress

·                     alleviate pain

·                     express feelings

·                     enhance memory

·                     improve communication

·                     promote physical rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.  It works well integraed with other therapies.

Quite simply, Music Therapy is about using MUSIC for non-musical goals. 

Anyone who has an interest in music, whether it’s singing, playing an instrument or listening to music can benefit!  Whether it’s a stressed-out parent, an at-risk youth, a preschooler or a school age child or youth, music therapy is a flexible modality that can be used to work towards non-music related goals (as well as music-related goals at times).

My original music therapy education/experiences: 

After graduating from college with my degree in Music Therapy, I initially was employed in a residential facility (Little City in Palatine) as a music therapist back in the early 1980s & I was involved with individuals with disabilities working in a group setting.  Goals, which were not musical, would usually be directed around increasing attention span or appropriate behavior in a small group setting.

My present day application of music therapy is seen in all sorts of settings with the general population:     

1.   Preschool setting – My own "MUSIC 4 KIDS" program is all about expression and experiences for young children in preschool.  Children are encouraged to express themselves through music and music-related activities.  Each class offers a multitude of experiences that enrich their lives. The aim of the class is for children to enjoy their musical experiences and that enjoyment builds their self-esteem through positive and fun group interactions. It also offers an avenue for appropriate self-expression.  In our music classes together, I

                  a.   Incorporate fun relaxation techniques with all the preschool children I work with.

b.      Offer opportunities for them to express themselves through singing, the use of rhythm instruments, dancing with scarves or ribbons and trying out various musical props I bring in.

c.      In these mainstream settings, I often encounter children who have not been evaluated, but are struggling to fit in or keep up with the preschool expectations.  This allows me an excellent opportunity to incorporate even more of my music therapy skills.

2.   At-Risk Youth – Depending on their interests, many at-risk youth respond very well to music therapy.  Whether it’s using piano lessons as the main focus or tapping into their individual music interests, music therapy can show youth how to channel emotions and strong feelings into musical outlets as well as encouraging a healthy hobby.

3.   ADD/ADHD/Anxious Youth – Depending on their interests, many active and anxious youth respond very well to music therapy.  Whether it’s using piano lessons as the main focus or tapping into their individual music interests, music therapy can show youth how to channel emotions and strong feelings into musical outlets and give them tools to deal with anxiety or their extra energy.

4.   Apathetic/Depressed/Bored Youth - For those kids that don't seem to have much passion for life, I find that many times they may also have trouble connecting with others.  When conventional methods don't work, I have found that one-on-one drumming sessions have been a great connecting point to help build a relationship and to inspire.  Most youth enjoy playing my kid's size djembe while I tap out a foundational, simple beat on the bongos.  There is something magical about rhythm that seems to resonate within them and often brings a smile to their face!

5.   Middle school/high school  kids – I teach private piano and voice lessons and as part of my teaching style, I believe I am contributing to improving self esteem & building confidence while teaching them discipline (to practice consistently) and giving them performance opportunities (face fears of performing in front of others).  I have also introduced visualization to many of them and this is a great tool for them to have.

6.   Adults in Music SOS – Music SOS stands for Music for the Stressed-Out Soul.  With this small class, I incorporate guided imagery with yoga for stressed out adults.

7.   Adults taking private lessons – Most adults who start taking lessons as adults are doing so for themselves because they didn’t or weren’t able to when they were younger.  There is usually much more going on than just improving their musical skills.  These lessons are often about breaking through fears or old bad habits (negative self-talk) that have built up over the years.  I employ lots of music therapy techniques, especially relaxation & visualization along with physical movement with the music.