Individual Music Therapy

Individual Music Therapy

Individual sessions provide the opportunity for the music therapist to work one-on-one with the client towards achieving specific, functional goals. The music therapist will determine treatment goals based on an evaluation session and the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) where applicable.

Individual sessions may take on a variety of appearances. For example, depending on the needs of the client…

- Singing songs may be used to facilitate speech therapy goals and allow the client multiple opportunities to practice specific speech sounds. For example, to practice bilabial sounds (i.e. “ba”) the music therapist may choose the song “Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee.” Songs can also be used to prompt speaking in a complete sentence. Click here to watch a video of the song “What is Your Name? Woah!”

- Playing the gathering drum with a mallet may be used to facilitate grasping, crossing midline, bilateral coordination, and full extension of the arms.

- A song about days of the week may be used as a mnemonic device to help the client remember the days of the week. “Chunking” (grouping information into smaller units) and repetition allow the information to be remembered and recalled more easily. Click here to listen to my original “Days of the Week” Song!

- Songwriting may be used to facilitate self-expression and encourage communication. The client may then have the opportunity to sing and/or play instruments, record the song on Garageband, and have it burned onto a CD to take home.

- Social songs can be used to teach children how to respond in various social situations. Click here to listen to my original song “What Do You Do?”

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