Hayes School of Music Graduate Studies

Music Therapy Clinic

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Music Therapy Clinic

Contact

musictherapyclinic@appstate.edu

music therapist and clientWhat is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the use of music in a therapeutic relationship to improve overall health and wellness. Individuals have different desires, strengths, and needs; therefore music therapy is individualized to each person. Some goals addressed by music therapy include reducing anxiety or depression, improving communication, promoting physical development or rehabilitation, enhancing memory, expressing feelings, reducing pain, and managing stress.

The Music Therapy Clinic offers assessment and treatment for individuals of any age with a wide range of presenting issues, including autism, anxiety, depression, or other mental health needs; physical needs associated with stroke or post-treatment rehabilitation; communication disorders; and cognitive issues. Depending on the needs of potential clients and feasibility of services, individual and group services may be offered. Session length varies based on need and availability.

What is a typical music therapy session like?

Depending on your needs, your or your family member’s session could include any of the following. Music therapy is particularly effective for people who are motivated by music, however the client needs no previous music experience or training for the therapy to be effective.

  1. Opening: which entails a check-in to assess current emotional, physical, or mental state. Music therapists may use a song or chant to begin the session.
  2. Active music making: music therapy sessions may include singing or instrument playing. Examples include using improvisation to express feelings that may be difficult to communicate or playing familiar songs on a variety of instruments to facilitate motor rehabilitation or to develop sustained attention. Music therapy sessions may involve drums or other percussion instruments, piano, guitar, or other instruments.
  3. music therapy sessionSong discussion: is used to examine the content of songs that may be beneficial in reflecting on current life situations. It is a particularly helpful technique for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.
  4. Songwriting: a wonderful tool used by music therapists to facilitate emotional expression. Songwriting may begin in a structured way or may be based upon improvisation.
  5. Structured songs: a music therapist may select or write specific music to address your needs. These songs may be used to learn academic concepts, to maintain cognitive functioning, or to improve specific aspects of communication.
  6. Listening: music may be used for developing skills for relaxation and stress reduction. The music selected depends on client preferences and the purpose of the listening.
  7. Closing: may reflect on the session or may simply bring the session to an end.

How are music therapists trained?

All board certified music therapists hold the credential of MT-BC and have a degree in music therapy. They must take courses in music, psychology, anatomy and physiology, as well as specific music therapy courses. Music therapists also must complete 1200 hours of supervised clinical training, including a 1020-hr internship prior to sitting for the board certification exam. An individual who has passed the board certification exam is eligible to practice as a music therapist. Music therapists must engage in ongoing continuing education and are re-certified every five years.

All music therapists working at The Music Therapy Clinic have their MT-BC credential. In addition, they have either completed or are working towards the Master of Music Therapy degree (MMT).

Current Fees

Music therapy services are offered on a sliding scale. Please contact us at 828-262-8216 for additional information.

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