PRESENTED BY: COURTNEY RADBROUNE, BMT, MTASEPTEMBER 21, 2009

An Introduction to Music Therapy

OVERVIEW

Introductions: Courtney Radbourne, BMT, MTAWhat is Music Therapy?Becoming an Accredited Music TherapistWhat do Music Therapists Do?Where do Music Therapists Work?Benefits of Music Therapy in: Mental Health,

Geriatrics, Stroke Victims, and with ChildrenMusic Therapy TechniquesMusic Therapy Session Example: Song Writing

FocusSummary and QuestionsResourcesThank You!

INTRODUCTIONS

Courtney Radbourne, BMT, MTAFrom: originally from Stittsville, currently residing in

KanataEducation: Attended Acadia University – 4 year Bachelor of

Music Therapy DegreeDegree Focus: Intensive course load that concentrated on

both music, psychology, and clinical experience Completed 1000 hour Music Therapy Internship- June 2007

with the Music Therapists of Lanark Area- private practiceAchieved MTA (Music Therapist Accredited) Status in

March 2009Started her own private practice this year “The Healing

Song”

WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?

Music therapy is a medium for change. It

helps the client re-connect with themselves and forms a healing relationship with the music therapist. This relationship is created and enhanced through the use of music and musical elements. It takes one’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health into account. Goals and Objectives are created and designed to concentrate on each person’s needs and developmental area of focus.

BECOMING AN ACCREDIDTED MUSIC THERAPIST

●To become an accredited music therapist in Canada by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy, requires a four year Bachelor of Music Therapy degree, or 2 year Certificate Program degree from a recognized institution of study.

●A 1000 hour internship must be completed upon graduating from an institution. The end result of the internship is peer review of ones work before accreditation is granted

WHAT DO MUSIC THERAPISTS DO?

●Within clinical planning, music therapists’ assess, evaluate, research to implement a variety of activities that involve that are based on needs of the client(s): receptive music listening, lyric discussion, imagery and music, rhythmic movement, music performance, song writing and composition, singing and instrument playing, as well as vocal/instrumental improvisation. 

●Skillful purpose

WHERE DO MUSIC THERAPISTS WORK?

Medical and Psychiatric Hospitals Rehabilitative Facilities Out patients clinics Day Care Centres Agencies serving developmentally disabled persons Community mental health centres Drug and Alcohol Programs Long Term Care Facilities Correctional Facilities Halfway Houses Schools Hospice Programs Privately

Music Therapy has the adaptive ability to work with all ages, physical and cognitive abilities, there is no musical training required.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY IN MENTAL HEALTH

Can be used in a wide range of treatment programs due to its flexibility

Increases concentration Increases relaxation Increases socialization and awareness of others Creates a diversion from neurotic concerns or obsessions Music can evoke thoughts and feelings that allow us to become more

aware and connected to ourselves and our environment It can help to test ones perceptions in supportive environment Problem solving skills develop Creates an uplifting mood experience It can increase motivation to cope with life situations Appropriate and successful involvement in a group activity Offers structure Appropriate use of leisure time Group/one-to-one session settings

BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY IN GERATRICS

Works both sides of the brainImproves memory and concentrationMaintains and restores cognitive functionMaintains and restores Gross and Fine Motor functionOrients in the here and nowIncreases socialization Offers choiceIncreases self-esteemAids in communication and self-expression both

verbally and non-verballyCreates opportunities for leadership roles and turn

takingCreates an awareness of the self and othersIncreases physical fitnessOne-to-one and group session settings

BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY WITH STROKE VICTIMS

Re-store and maintain communication abilities both verbally and non-verbally

Aids in gate and motor ability trainingWorks both sides of the brainAids in speech developmentOffers choice and normality Motivates through positive experience Outlet for self-expressionPromotes relaxationIncreases socializationOne-to-one and group session settingsOffers choice

BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY WITH CHILDREN

Behaviour modification Orient in the here and now, weather conditions Is able to aid in speech development Increases communication skills Increases self-esteem Develops fine and gross motor abilities Opportunity to learn an instrument Opportunity for leadership roles and turn taking when in a group

setting Can assist children in learning how to brush their teeth, how to

cover their mouths when coughing, and what foods they should eat through directive songs.

Increases physical fitness Provides an outlet for creativity Increases self-expression and communication both verbally and

non verbally Offers choice

MUSIC THERAPY TECHNIQUES

Music ListeningLyric DiscussionRelaxation TechniquesSong WritingImprovisationSinging and Playing InstrumentsRecordingMusic and Movement

MUSIC THERAPY SESSION EXAMPLE

●“Hello Song”

Song Writing:“She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain”- (adding

lyrics/improvising)Appropriate for Geriatrics, Stroke Victims, and

Children

Song written from a familiar melody- “Garden Street Site” melody of “House of the Rising Sun”

Appropriate for Mental Health and Stroke Victims “Good-bye Song”

Garden Street Site

Explain the process Am C D F, Am C E7 x2

There is a place in Brockville, they call the Garden Street Site, And its been the saviour of many a poor soul dear God I know I am one

Now I am just a poor girl, I have an unfortunate tale I used to have my freedom, down in old Brockville

I had a house and job and a car, I could travel down the road, my freedom was so wonderful, I could even scratch my nose

My life has been a slippery slope, I fell so very fast, one day I was feeding myself the next I was being fed

Those around me don’t get me here, as I lay in this hospital bed, I’m desperate to find my way out of here but it rests in God’s hands

SUMMARY

Music Therapy does not require any previous musical training

It is flexible and adaptable to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds-music touches us all

It offers choice to those participating in sessionsThere is skilful purpose Music Therapy can occur in a variety of settings One-to-one and group session settings are offeredIt enhances the quality of lifeIt brings about a positive change in peopleAre there any questions or comments?

MUSIC THERAPY RESOURCES

Canadian Association for Music Therapy website: http://www.musictherapy.ca

American Association for Music Therapy website: http://www.musictherapy.org

Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy website: http://www.voices.no

THANK YOU!

The Healing SongMusic Therapy Services“A Voice for Everyone”

Courtney Radbourne, BMT, MTA(613) 325-1661

courtney.radbourne@gmail.comwww.thehealingsong.ca

Thank you for your ears!