FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Music Therapy
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence based healthcare profession that uses music to achieve therapeutic outcomes by addressing the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of individuals across the life cycle. It can improve the quality of life for persons who are well and meet the needs of those with disabilities or illnesses. As everybody responds to music, no prior musical skills are needed for the client to benefit from this therapeutic intervention.
How does Music Therapy work?
Music therapy can take place in individual or group settings. By using a variety of techniques (e.g. singing, instrument playing, movement to music, song-writing, song reminiscence, lyric analysis), the therapist works towards the goals that are specifically created for the individual or group. Frequently used goals aim to promote:
Emotional expression, Stress management, Pain alleviation, Memory enhancement, Physical rehabilitation, Self awareness, Task orientation, Social interaction, Independence, Verbal & nonverbal Communication.
What is the history of Music Therapy as a health care profession?
The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behaviour is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types both amateur and professional went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering from both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients’ notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. It was soon evident that the hospital musicians needed some prior training before entering the facility and so the demand grew for a college curriculum.
How do you qualify as a Music Therapist?
In order to work as a music therapist in Ireland you must complete an approved college music therapy curricula. Currently there is one course in the the Republic of Ireland. This is a two year masters programme running in the University of Limerick: http://www.ul.ie/~iwmc/programmes/mamt/index.html
Who is qualified to practice Music Therapy?
A music therapist is a professional who has completed educational and clinical training through an approved music therapy programme, usually at a masters level, focusing on the areas of human experience, behaviour and music. The music therapist is also a member of a professional association.
Is there research to support Music Therapy?
There is a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support the effectiveness of music therapy.
What are some misconceptions about Music Therapy?
That the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy — they do not. That there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest — this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient’s life. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient’s goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.
How can Music Therapy techniques be applied by healthy individuals?
Healthy individuals can use music for stress reduction via active music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation. Music is often a vital support for physical exercise. Music therapy assisted labor and delivery may also be included in this category since pregnancy is regarded as a normal part of women’s life cycles.
How is Music Therapy utilised in hospital?
Music is used in general hospitals to: alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication: elevate patients’ mood and counteract depression; promote movement for physical rehabilitation; calm or sedate, often to induce sleep; counteract apprehension or fear; and lessen muscle tension for the purpose of relaxation, including the autonomic nervous system.
How is Music Therapy used in nursing homes?
Music is used with elderly persons to increase or maintain their level of physical, mental, and social/emotional functioning. The sensory and intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person’s quality of life.
How is music therapy used in school settings?
Music therapists are often hired in schools to provide music therapy services listed on the Individualized Education Plan for mainstreamed special learners. Music learning is used to strengthen nonmusical areas such as communication skills and physical coordination skills which are important for daily life.
How is Music Therapy used in psychiatric facilities?
Music therapy allows persons with mental health needs to: explore personal feelings, make positive changes in mood and emotional states, have a sense of control over life through successful experiences, practice problem solving, and resolve conflicts leading to stronger family and peer relationships.
What is a typical Music Therapy session like?
Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries,physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain.
Who can refer someone to Music Therapy?
A person may be referred to music therapy by parents, GPs, teachers, psychologists, social workers, or a person may also refer themselves to music therapy.
Where do Music Therapist’s work?
Music therapists work in a variety of areas including: Hospitals, Residential institutions, Rehabilitation units, Mental health facilities, Nursing homes, Community health centers, Palliative care units, Educational settings (mainstream and special needs schools) and Private practices.
What is the Music Therapy programme?
Once a person has been referred to music therapy an initial assessment will take place, from the assessment (which can take 2 to 3 sessions), music therapy goals are then specifically designed for the client/s. The music therapist will use certain music techniques to address the clients’ needs over the course of the programme, which usually runs for 8-10 weeks. Finally an evaluation is done, and a detailed report will be written up outlining the clients’ response to the music therapy programme and the possibility of future treatment.
Does Music Therapy Ireland Offer student Placement ?
Due to the high demand of Students looking for placement and the Nature of the Music therapy Process we are currently not offering any student placements this year.
