What Can Music Therapy Support?

Depending on the individual’s needs and goals, music therapy may support:

– Communication and language skills
– Attention, focus, memory, and cognition
– Emotional expression and regulation
– Social interaction and relationship-building
– Impulse control and frustration tolerance
– Fine and gross motor coordination
– Sensory processing and integration
– Self-esteem, confidence, and personal growth
– Creative expression
– Management of stress, anxiety, agitation, or discomfort

Because every person is different, specific goals and interventions are determined through assessment and ongoing collaboration.

Who Can Benefit?

Good Grooves Music works with children who have a variety of strengths, needs, diagnoses, and life experiences. Music therapy may be appropriate for individuals with:

– Autism
– Anxiety or depression
– Cognitive impairment
– Developmental or speech delays
– Emotional or behavioral support needs
– Sensory or motor-related goals
– Trauma-related needs
– Challenges with communication or social interaction

A diagnosis is not always required to benefit from music therapy. The best way to determine whether the service is appropriate is to discuss the individual’s needs and goals with a board-certified music therapist.

What to Expect from a Music Therapy Assessment

The music therapy process begins with a consultation. This gives us an opportunity to learn about the child’s strengths, needs, interests, relevant history, and priorities—and gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the service.

During the assessment, a board-certified music therapist uses developmentally and clinically appropriate musical experiences to observe how the child responds and engages. Depending on the reason for referral, the assessment may explore areas such as:

– Communication and language
– Social interaction
– Emotional expression and regulation
– Attention and cognition
– Fine and gross motor skills
– Sensory responses
– Musical preferences and motivators

Afterward, the therapist discusses the findings and recommends appropriate next steps. If ongoing music therapy is recommended, the assessment helps guide measurable goals and an individualized treatment plan.

No musical experience or special preparation is required.

What Happens in a Music Therapy Session?

Each session is shaped by the child’s goals, responses, preferences, and progress. Activities may include:

– Singing and vocal experiences
– Playing drums, piano, guitar, hand percussion, or other instruments
– Movement to music
– Songwriting and improvisation
– Musical stories and books
– Music listening and discussion
– Rhythm, sequencing, and memory activities
– Musical experiences that encourage communication, choice-making, or social interaction

Each activity is intentionally selected and adapted to support a therapeutic objective.

Music Therapy and Music Lessons: What Is the Difference?

Music therapy and music lessons can both be engaging and enjoyable, but they have different purposes.

In a music lesson, the primary goal is to develop musical knowledge and performance skills. In music therapy, music is used as a therapeutic tool to address individualized communication, emotional, social, cognitive, sensory, or physical goals.

A child may develop musical skills during therapy, but musical achievement is not required for meaningful participation or progress.

Is Music Therapy a Good Fit?

Every client begins from a different place. A free consultation can help us understand your concerns, answer your questions, explain the assessment process, and determine an appropriate next step.

Interested in learning how music therapy could support your child?