Children and Young People
Adults
Children and Young People
Parents of children and young people referred for music therapy often have a range of questions about how things work and what to expect. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. Please feel free to discuss any other questions or concerns you may have with the therapist, or email musictherapy@richmondmusictrust.org.uk or call 020 8744 8097.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a process in which the child and therapist use sound and music to communicate, express themselves and build a relationship. We believe that all human beings have a natural ability to respond to music, and this innate ability enables children with a wide range of needs and difficulties to express themselves musically. Shared music making in music therapy can be a powerful experience which creates meaningful interpersonal connection, and can express and share feelings which cannot be put into words.
Taking part in music therapy supports positive change and enables children to reach their full potential. It builds confidence and encourages physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
What happens in a music therapy session?
During the session both child and therapist take an active part by playing, singing and listening. The child is encouraged to use a range of instruments including percussion instruments, string and wind instruments, drum kit, piano, music technology and the voice. No previous experience of music is necessary. The music played is largely improvised and covers a range of styles according to the child’s individual preferences and needs. Sessions may include the use of pre-composed songs, musical games and activities or song writing.
The therapist works with a flexible, child-centred approach, encouraging the child to explore the instruments in their unique way. It is not a music lesson in which a child will be instructed on how to play. The focus is on encouraging and supporting individual self-expression and enhancing self-confidence. By responding musically, the therapist encourages this process and supports the expression of the child’s individuality. Shared music making is often experienced as joyful and motivating, which may help the child to experience shared flexible interactions that are reminiscent of a conversation without words.
As the process of shared music making unfolds, a trusting relationship develops between child and therapist, which enables emotional and developmental themes to emerge and to be worked with. Where appropriate, this may include verbal reflection on arising emotional themes stimulated by the shared music making.
What are the aims of music therapy?
The therapist will aim to support the child in all areas of development but will guide the therapy towards achieving development where the child has greatest difficulties. Aims of therapy can be thought about under the following areas:
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Communication
Non-verbal and verbal communication is crucial for your child’s development and continuing well-being. In music therapy, children deepen their ability to listen and experience being listened to, and develop tools with which to communicate. Children gain confidence in their interactive abilities, which are essential for building rewarding relationships with others.
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Use of Voice
Children are encouraged to express themselves through using their voice. As an important developmental stage this includes using their voices in a non-verbal way, creating and exploring a wide range of sounds. This initial non-verbal interaction may progress to using words or sentences to communicate feelings and ideas. In music therapy we can have a fluid transition from non-verbal expression to verbal, which can include the use of freely improvised singing or known songs.
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Relating
This is about your child’s desire and ability to relate to others in ways that build positive relationships. It’s about supporting a sense of self, trusting others enough to be open to the give and take of communication, and being able to deal with difficult feelings like anger and frustration. Music therapy sessions promote awareness and tolerance of others. Shared music-making gives the child the opportunity to explore sharing, taking turns, being in charge and accepting leadership from others within a safe framework.
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Emotional well-being
This is about how happy and at ease your child is in his/herself. It is about knowing what their feelings are and being able to express a range of different feelings including anger, sadness, happiness and curiosity. Music stimulates emotional response, and offers a positive and creative means of expressing and sharing emotions that cannot be put into words.
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Attention and Awareness
This is about how well your child can focus on an activity and maintain their attention so that they can find satisfaction in a range of activities, and have a sense of achievement. In music therapy we usually address this area by starting with the child’s initial interest and gradually extending this towards other activities.
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Play and Creativity
This is about being able to explore, play and be active in ways that support learning and enjoyment. Joy is an important factor in music therapy, promoting and further developing play and creativity.
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Motor skills
Music-making usually involves movement, and children will be supported to explore and develop their motor skills whilst playing the instruments. Benefits can include increased range of movement, motor control and confidence, as well as balancing out activity levels, muscle tone and tensions.
How does music therapy differ from music lessons?
Although the development of musical awareness and instrumental or vocal skills is not the main focus of music therapy, it can occur as a by-product of being engaged in creative music-making.
The music therapist may include an educational approach or focus upon skill acquisition within sessions if this seems appropriate. This may include focusing on one particular instrument the client is interested in or participating in musical activities which target particular aims of the therapy. However, sessions focus upon free improvisation and the encouragement of the client’s self-expression rather than improving their musical abilities.
When can I expect to see changes?
The number of sessions needed for a change to be noticeable in the child in the home environment varies greatly. Sometimes change will first be noticeable during the sessions as new responses and an increased interactive repertoire is developed, which will gradually filter into the home environment. Typical changes you may notice include increased eye contact or responsiveness to communication or increased vocalisations (verbal or non-verbal), a stronger intent to communicate or a more open attitude with regards to emotional themes.
However, as music therapy is a process, it is important to remember that sometimes change may take a little more time. Whilst the therapist works with goals in mind, the therapy is also about supporting the child’s general emotional wellbeing, and offering them a safe space to express themselves. This process is usually experienced as self-affirming and empowering and will have a positive effect on confidence, and behaviour, which may be noticeable in the client being more settled, content or happy.
Is there research to support the benefits of music therapy?
There is a growing body of evidence to support the clinical effectiveness of music therapy for children with a wide range of needs and conditions. Music therapists all over the world are conducting research, which includes a wide range of qualitative studies as well as some randomised studies. Effects researched often focus on levels of interaction, eye contact, verbal expression and social / interactive / plays skills. Music therapy research is published in national and international journals and professional websites. For up to date information on relevant research relevant to the people in your care, please contact us.
What role do carers take?
We all need time to ourselves without being observed by the people closest to us. In many cases music therapy provides such a time for the child and it might therefore be most helpful for them to be alone with the therapist during the sessions. However, it might be appropriate for parents to watch the session through the viewing window in our music therapy rooms, if the child consents to this. For sessions at home or in school or care settings, the therapist will agree arrangements with the child and their parents or staff/carer(s).
Sometimes it may be required or beneficial for parents to be more involved during music therapy and be in the therapy room to observe or take part in the sessions. The aims of this might be to facilitate communication / play skills and interpersonal contact or exploring new ways of relating and interacting. If you think it would be helpful for parents to play a more active role during the music therapy sessions, please let the therapist know. Don’t worry if you aren’t a musician! We use easily accessible instruments such as tambourines, bells and drums, and you do not have to play at all if you don’t feel comfortable. Please feel free to discuss with the therapist if you are anxious about contributing music in sessions.
Please also ensure that your mobile phone is switched off for the duration of the session.
How will therapy progress be reviewed?
Evaluation of therapy takes place through careful observation, written session notes and in some cases the intermittent analysis of audio / video recordings (where consent has been given). The therapist builds up a picture of progress and changes that are taking place and summarises these in written reports and at verbal reviews.
How will carers be updated about the progress of therapy?
We like parents to be involved and informed as much as possible throughout the therapy process and will share and discuss issues as they arise. There will be time at the end of the session to discuss significant events or progress in therapy. If you’d like to share how your child is doing outside of therapy, this will be very helpful for the therapist. You are also welcome to email or ring the therapist between sessions, as it can be inappropriate to discuss issues in front of the child.
If you would like to discuss the progress of your child, please let the therapist know so he/she can arrange a meeting or phone call. Reports can be provided if required, e.g. for annual reviews, and are provided with 2 weeks’ notice. They are charged at the same rate as one session fee.
What measures are in place to assure Covid safety?
RMT is committed to minimising infection risk from Covid-19 as much as possible through a range of measures and safe working practices. Before attending face-to-face sessions in any setting, a risk assessment will be carried out for each individual person and the protective measures to be implemented during sessions will be agreed. Protective measures include the use of face coverings, visors, transparent screens and a detailed protocol of sanitizing equipment in between clients. There will be separate sets of instruments for child and therapist and we will adhere to 2m distancing at all times. Our therapy room is well ventilated and the therapy room and waiting area will only be accessed by one person or ‘bubble’ at a time.
Child, parent and therapist must not attend sessions if they or anyone else in their household is experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, or if, to the best of their knowledge, they have been in contact with anyone displaying symptoms over the last 14 days. Both parties must inform the other if they have any concerns about their Covid-19 risk, or they have been asked by the NHS Test and Trace service to self-isolate.
If a child is unable to attend face-to-face sessions as a result of an increased risk of Covid-19 infection, sessions will be carried out via video link. Please notify the therapist as soon as possible in advance of the session so this can be set up.
Do you offer online sessions?
RMT provides an Online Music Therapy Service. This has been created in response to Covid-19 and the significant number of vulnerable children and adults who are unable to access therapeutic support in person. We have developed an approach that will enable our music therapists to work remotely with a range of individuals with different needs. Sessions can be on a one-to-one basis or in groups. The fundamental principles of music therapy remain the same, and the aims and goals for each individual will continue to guide our therapeutic work.
In online music therapy, our music therapists interact with the client via video conferencing software. We use an app called Zoom as we feel it is easy to set up, free to users, and works well for music and video.
What is a music therapy assessment?
When starting to engage in music therapy, we recommend that you commit to an initial assessment, consisting of three sessions. These sessions are an opportunity for the child to experience the music therapy setting, get to know the therapist and get a sense of whether further music therapy sessions might be enjoyable and beneficial. The assessment process also includes an initial phone call or meeting with the parent to get information about the child’s history, needs and possible presenting concerns. The therapist will feedback after the assessment and also provide a report, summarising the engagement of the child and considering aims and objectives for potential further sessions. After the assessment period the child, parent and therapist decide whether to commit to regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly), which usually take place at the same time and with the same therapist, unless otherwise requested.
When do sessions take place?
After the initial assessment period, if you decide to continue, we ask you to commit to attending weekly or fortnightly sessions as our service is set up like a school, where you book an ongoing place in the therapist’s schedule for your child during term time. It is important to aim for regular attendance during term time, as this will greatly support the therapy process for your child, who will be able to build a routine and anticipate the weekly sessions.
The therapist will be liaising with you about the dates for your child’s sessions and to inform you of any forthcoming breaks or holidays. If the therapist has to cancel a session he/she will notify you in advance and no charge is applicable. There may be an option to attend sessions during the school holidays; if you would like to do so please speak to the therapist about this.
Can I cancel a session?
We do understand that occasionally there may be unavoidable circumstances that prevent your child from attending. If this is the case please give the therapist plenty of notice by contacting them by mobile phone (text) or email or by phoning our office (020 8744 8097) at least 48 hours before the appointment. Missed sessions cancelled less than 48 hours before will be charged as normal. Sessions cancelled as a result of the therapist’s absence will not be charged for.
When does therapy end and what is the notice period?
Each child requires a different amount of time in order to bring about changes in their capacity for communication and in their emotional world and behaviour. This can range from a few months to a few years. It is difficult to predict at the beginning for how long a child may benefit from coming to sessions, and so progress is regularly reviewed at agreed intervals.
The therapist will discuss with you if he/she thinks it may be time for the therapy to finish. Alternately, for a variety of reasons, you may feel that it is time to end your child’s therapy and, if this is the case, it is important that the therapist is given at least four sessions notice. Please speak with the therapist as in all cases it is important that, as therapy draws to a close, each child is prepared for its end. Preparing properly for an ending will preserve the progress made and allows the therapist to work with possible emotions evoked by the ending.
Adults
Clients referred to music therapy and their carers often have a range of questions about how things work and what to expect. Here are some common questions and answers. Please feel free to contact us with any other queries or concerns. E mail musictherapy@richmondmusictrust.org.uk or call 020 8744 8097.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a process in which the client(s) and therapist use sound and music to communicate, express themselves and build a relationship. We believe that all human beings have a natural ability to respond to music, and this innate ability enables clients with a wide range of needs and disabilities to express themselves musically. Shared music making in music therapy can be a powerful experience which creates meaningful interpersonal connection and can express and share feelings which cannot be put into words.
Taking part in music therapy supports positive change and enables clients to reach their full potential. It builds confidence and encourages physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
Why music therapy?
Music therapy can be helpful for adults experiencing many different difficulties including mental health problems, dementia, neurological conditions or learning disabilities. Sessions provide a means to engage in close interpersonal contact, which is particularly important for those who may have difficulty expressing themselves, communicating and forming relationships. The innate joy in musical interaction enables the therapist to strengthen the part of the client that is able and functioning, encouraging the development of existing or dormant abilities and strengths. Music therapy can reach clients who are withdrawn, promoting supportive relationships, where a person can be accepted for who they are. This emotional support can help a client live with their disability and associated challenges. Music therapy is an empowering experience for clients, which promotes meaningful communication and a positive sense of self.
What happens in a music therapy session?
During the session both client and therapist take an active part by playing, singing and listening. The client is encouraged to use a range of instruments including percussion instruments, string and wind instruments, the drum kit, piano, music technology and the voice. The music played is largely improvised and covers a range of styles according to the client’s individual preferences and needs. Sessions may include the use of pre-composed songs, musical games and activities or song writing.
The therapist works with a flexible, client-centered approach, encouraging the client to explore the instruments in their own unique way. It is not a music lesson in which a client will be instructed on how to play. The focus is on encouraging and supporting individual self-expression and enhancing self-confidence.
By responding musically, the therapist encourages this process and supports the expression of the client’s individuality. Shared music making is often experienced as joyful and motivating, which may help the client to experience shared flexible interactions that are reminiscent of a conversation without words. As the therapy progresses, the therapist aims to develop a trusting relationship with the client(s), which will enable emotional and developmental themes to emerge and to be worked with. Where appropriate, this may include verbal reflection on arising emotional themes stimulated by the shared music making.
What are the aims of music therapy?
The therapist helps the client to strive for their full potential by encouraging the client in their physical, emotional, social and spiritual development. The therapist will support the client in areas where they are experiencing difficulties, such as the following:
- Communication
Verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial for personal development and continuing mental health. In music therapy, clients may deepen their ability to listen and experience being listened to, developing the tools with which they communicate. Clients may gain in confidence in their abilities to communicate, which may help them to build rewarding relationships with others.
- Social skills
Music therapy sessions promote awareness and tolerance of others. We try to enable clients to relate positively to others and to explore any unhelpful behaviors. Group music making offers clients the opportunity to explore sharing, taking turns, being in charge and accepting leadership from others within a safe framework.
- Emotional response
Music stimulates emotional response and offers a positive and creative means of expressing and sharing emotions that cannot be put into words. This area of work is particularly important for clients with emotional issues and for those who have experienced bereavement, anxiety or abuse.
- Personal growth
Key areas of personal growth including individuality, self-awareness, confidence, initiative, creativity, and choice are addressed as part of the therapeutic process.
- Developmental work
Clients can be supported in progressing through a variety of developmental stages including auditory / tactile / visual awareness, reaching / grasping / manipulating instruments, attention and concentration, individuality and separation from parents.
- Motor skills
Music making usually involves movement and the client(s) will be supported to explore and develop their motor skills whilst playing the instruments. Benefits can include increased range of movement, motor control and confidence as well as balancing out activity levels, muscle tone and tensions.
How does music therapy differ from music lessons?
Although the development of musical awareness and instrumental or vocal skills is not the main focus of music therapy, it can occur as a by-product of being engaged in creative music-making.
The music therapist may include an educational approach or focus upon skill acquisition within sessions if this seems appropriate. This may include focusing on one particular instrument the client is interested in or participating in musical activities which target particular aims of the therapy. However, sessions focus upon free improvisation and the encouragement of the client’s self-expression rather than improving their musical abilities.
When can I expect to see changes?
The number of sessions needed for a change to be noticeable in the client in the home environment varies greatly. Sometimes change will first be noticeable during the sessions as new responses and an increased interactive repertoire is developed, which will gradually filter into the home environment. Typical changes you may notice include increased eye contact or responsiveness to communication or increased vocalisations (verbal or non-verbal), a stronger intent to communicate or a more open attitude with regards to emotional themes.
However, as music therapy is a process, it is important to remember that sometimes change may take a little more time. Whilst the therapist works with goals in mind, the therapy is also about supporting the client’s general emotional wellbeing, and offering them a safe space to express themselves. This process is usually experienced as self-affirming and empowering and will have a positive effect on confidence and behaviour, which may be noticeable in the client being more settled, content or happy.
Is there research to support the benefits of Music therapy?
There is a growing body of evidence to support the clinical effectiveness of music therapy for specific client groups. Music therapists all over the world are conducting research, which includes a wide range of qualitative studies as well as some randomised studies. Effects researched often focus on levels of interaction, eye contact, verbal expression and social / interactive / plays skills. Music therapy research is published in national and international journals and professional websites. For up to date information on relevant research relevant to the people in your care, please contact us.
What role do carers take?
We all need time to ourselves without being observed by the people closest to us. In many cases music therapy provides such a time for the client and it might therefore be most helpful for them to be alone with the therapist during the sessions. However, it might be appropriate for carers to watch the session through the viewing windows in our music therapy rooms, if the client consents to this. For sessions at home or in care settings, the therapist will agree arrangements with the client(s) and carer(s).
Sometimes it may be beneficial for carers to be more involved during music therapy and be in the therapy room to observe or take part in the sessions. The aims of this might be to facilitate communication / play skills and interpersonal contact or exploring new ways of relating and interacting. If you think it would be helpful for carers to play a more active role during the music therapy sessions, please let the therapist know. Don’t worry if you aren’t a musician! We use easily accessible instruments such as tambourines, bells and drums, and you do not have to play at all if you don’t feel comfortable. Please feel free to discuss with the therapist if you are anxious about contributing music in sessions.
Please also ensure that your mobile phone is switched off for the duration of the session.
How will therapy progress be reviewed?
Evaluation of therapy takes place through careful observation, written session notes and in some cases the intermittent analysis of audio / video recordings (where consent has been given). The therapist builds up a picture of progress and changes that are taking place and summarises these in written reports and at verbal reviews.
How will carers be updated about the progress of therapy?
We like carers to be involved and informed as much as possible throughout the therapy process and will share and discuss issues as they arise. There will be time at the end of the session to discuss significant events or progress in therapy. If you’d like to share how the client is doing outside of therapy, this will be very helpful for the therapist. You are also welcome to email or ring the therapist between sessions, as it can be inappropriate to discuss issues in front of the client.
If you would like to discuss the progress of the client in your care, please let the therapist know so they can arrange a meeting or phone call. Reports can be provided if required, e.g. for annual reviews, and are provided with two weeks’ notice. They are charged at the same rate as one session fee.
What is a music therapy assessment?
When starting to engage in music therapy, we recommend clients commit to an initial assessment, consisting of three sessions. These sessions are an opportunity for the client to experience the music therapy setting, get to know the therapist and get a sense of whether further music therapy sessions might be enjoyable and beneficial. The assessment process also includes an initial phone call or meeting with the referrer / carer to get information about the client’s history, needs and possible presenting concerns. The therapist will feedback after the assessment and also provide a report, summarising the engagement of the client and considering aims and objectives for potential further sessions. After the assessment period the client, referrer and therapist will decide whether to commit to regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly), which usually take place at the same time and with the same therapist, unless otherwise requested.
How long will therapy continue for?
Each client requires a different amount of time in order to bring about changes in their capacity for communication and in their emotional world and behaviour. This can range from a few months to a few years. It is difficult to predict at the beginning how long a client may benefit from coming to sessions and so progress is regularly reviewed at agreed intervals.
The therapist will discuss with you if they think it may be time for the therapy to finish. Alternately, for a variety of reasons, you may feel that it is time to end the client’s therapy so please discuss this with the therapist. In all cases it is important that, as therapy draws to a close, the client is prepared for its end. Preparing properly for an ending will preserve the progress made and allows the therapist to work with possible emotions evoked by the ending.
If for any reason therapy needs to come to an end, it is important that the therapist is given at least 4 sessions notice.
When do sessions take place?
After the initial assessment period (usually three sessions), we ask the client (after consultation with care staff & care manager) to make a commitment to attending weekly or fortnightly sessions, which will be scheduled throughout the year, excluding those times when the therapist is on annual leave or public holidays. Usually a break will occur during the Easter period, Summer holidays and during the Christmas period. Your therapist will liaise with you regarding session dates and let you know of any forthcoming breaks in sessions.
What measures are in place to assure Covid Safety?
RMT is committed to minimising infection risk from Covid-19 as much as possible through a range of measures and safe working practices. Before attending face-to-face sessions in any setting, a risk assessment will be carried out for each individual client and the protective measures to be implemented during sessions will be agreed. Protective measures include the use of face coverings, visors, transparent screens and a detailed protocol of sanitizing equipment in between clients. There will be separate sets of instruments for client and therapist and we will adhere to 2m distancing at all times. Our therapy room is well ventilated and the therapy room and waiting area will only be accessed by one client at a time.
Clients and therapists must not attend sessions if they or anyone else in their household is experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, or if, to the best of their knowledge, they have been in contact with anyone displaying symptoms over the last 14 days. Both parties must inform the other if they have any concerns about their Covid-19 risk, or they have been asked by the NHS Test and Trace service to self-isolate.
If a client is unable to attend in-person sessions as a result of an increased risk of Covid-19 infection, sessions will be carried out via video link. Please notify the therapist as soon as possible in advance of the session so this can be set up.
Do you offer online sessions?
RMT now provides an Online Music Therapy Service. This has been created in response to Covid-19 and the significant number of vulnerable children and adults who are unable to access therapeutic support in person. We have developed an approach that will enable our music therapists to work remotely with a range of individuals with different needs. Sessions can be on a one-to-one basis or in groups. The fundamental principles of music therapy remain the same, and the aims and goals for each individual will continue to guide our therapeutic work.
In online music therapy, our music therapists interact with the client via video conferencing software. We use an app called Zoom as we feel it is easy to set up, free to users, and works well for music and video.