MUSIC THERAPY
What is Music Therapy all about?
The biggest note: You do not have to have any experience with music or musical instruments to benefit from music therapy!
Music therapy is one of the creative arts therapies (these include music, art, movement, and drama). The modality makes use of music to form a therapeutic relationship in the service of maximising a client’s health (or the health of a group of clients). This can be in terms of emotional, physical, interpersonal, transpersonal, cognitive, social, or community needs, or indeed any combination of these elements. The practice is clinically informed, meaning there is a great deal of theoretical and scientific backing that goes into qualifying as, and being, a music therapist. It also means that, as therapists, we set clinical goals after an assessment period with a client. We then work together with the client to move closer to these goals.
Music therapists are required to undergo specialised training in order to gain the skills necessary to practise efficiently and ethically as music therapists in South Africa. Currently, in South Africa, this involves completing a Master’s degree in music therapy through the University of Pretoria. A music therapist is also required to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, which ensures that we adhere to ethical and safe practice.
Music therapy sessions may involve a number of different clinical techniques, including: improvisation (free play) on various instruments, set activities to music, movement during music making, drumming, vocal work, song-writing and composition, and listening to music. At times, we might include elements from other modalities including but not limited to: making art, story-telling, free movement, talking, or general play.
Each music therapy process is client-centred and every session is tailored to the client’s needs. This means that there is no one-size-fits all method. Everyone is unique and has their own individual requirements in sessions. Each session is designed to accommodate that, and to work toward the clinical goals set specifically with that particular client in mind. What is appropriate for a client with Alzheimer’s might not be effective for a teenager who has cerebral palsy. A music therapist might use a story song or set activity song for a child who is autistic, but may not use these techniques for an adult experiencing anxiety and depression. This is part of what makes each session and process dynamic and vibrant. It is also part of why music therapists require specialised training.
Music therapists work with a wide variety of clients with numerous possible clinical goals depending on context. For example:
