Any Music Therapy Majors here?

Are there?

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It's using music, such as guitar, voice, piano, xylophones, bells, etc., in order to help people with physical or psychological disabilities. There are proven methods to increase muscle control, memory, self esteem, etc. For example, you can help a deaf child become more sociable through music therapy.

https://www.musictherapy.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_therapy

https://members.aol.com/kathysl/ :
Music Therapy:Frequently Asked Questions

What types of people do music therapists work with?
You can find music therapists working with a wide variety of people. Some examples include the mentally ill, the physically handicapped, those who have been abused, the elderly including those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia, the terminally ill, the mentally retarded and the developmentally delayed, the traumatically brain injured, those with learning disabilities, as well as those persons who do not suffer from a clinical diagnosis.

How long has the field of music therapy been around?
While music has been used as a therapeutic mean for centuries, music therapy did not emerge as an organized profession until 1950 with the establishment of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association for Music Therapy in 1971. When the two associations merged in 1998, the new acronym became AMTA. The American Music Therapy Association. AMTA's mission is "To advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changeing world." (AMTA, 199

Where do music therapists work?
Music therapists work in hospitals, nursing facilities, schools, treatment centers, hospices, group homes, as well as in private practice.

Can you tell me some of the kinds of goals a music therapist might address?
Music therapists work towards a number of non-musical goals including improving communication skills, decreasing inappropriate behavior, improving academic and motor skills, increasing attention span, strengthening social and leisure skills, pain management and stress reduction. Music therapy can also help individuals on their journey of self-growth and understanding.

Tell me about some of the music therapy interventions that might be used in a typical session.
Music therapists draw from an extensive array of music activities and interventions. For example, the therapist and client might compose songs for the purpose of expression of feelings; one client might learn to play the piano for the purpose of improving fine motor skills, while another client might use instruments to improvise unspoken emotions. Music therapists may also use music and movement activities, singing, lyric discussion or music and imagery (including the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music) to help the client reach their goals.

What is the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music?
This technique (known as GIM) was developed by music therapist Dr. Helen Bonny. It is a music-centered therapeutic process to access the human psyche and lead to self-actualization and healing. GIM involves imaging to music in an alternate state of consciousness while sharing the imagery experience with a trained guide/therapist. When used as a therapeutic tool, GIM can lead to a deep uncovering of hidden emotional responses and stimulate creative insights.

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Updated On: 3/26/07 at 09:28 PM

hmmm not a major, but about to start volenteer work at a hospital doing this. Can't wait, i'm really passionate about this kinda stuff xx

will you be playing an instrument? do you know which population you will be dealing with? good luck, it's very satisfying!

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Yeah, right now I'm only singing, too. Next semester I have to learn to play the piano and guitar. Yikes!

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