What is Music THerapy?
The Canadian Association of Music Therapy defines music therapy as "the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development."
What does this mean for my Child?
Goals and objectives are assessed for each individual according to their strengths and which areas need strengthening. Some examples of goals music can address are:
- Eye Contact
- Joint attention
- Sensory Integration
- Fine and gross motor control
- Verbal non-verbal and picture exchange communication
- Social awareness and skills
- Self regulation
- Relaxation and calm-down strategies
- Impulse control
What does MTA mean, and why is it important
"MTA" stands for Music Therapist Accredited, and means that the therapist has completed a bachelor's degree in music therapy, a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship, and passed the board-certification for music therapist's exam.
This means that the therapist is aware of and abides by the national standards of practice regarding assessment and treatment, documentation, musicianship and ethics. Furthermore, in order to remain accredited an MTA must continue to meet the continuing education requirements and stay up to date on standards of best practice.