West Music Staff Blogs
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Tag >> Music Therapy
I've recently seen some of my teachers really go above and beyond in implementing music therapy strategies in the classroom. They've sung when introducing academic concepts. They've sung when prompting communication. They've sung and used instruments to motivate their students to make requests. They've consistently applied the materials I provide to them consultatively. It's really amazing to see that music therapy has made an impact, not only on my clients, but also on the people who work with them all day, every day. I've even seen teachers whose students are only assessed--who may not even qualify for services--that have been open to new ways of reaching their kids. And many people just are not comfortable or confident in their singing voices, yet they are making this effort for the benefit of their students.
Music therapist athy Knoll continues her series of video discussions of practical strategies for dealing with challenging issues in the music classroom. This 5-minute clip overviews basic principles for adapting music learning experiences for students with special needs who are unable to participate in typical ways. Cathy is a board certified music therapist with experience in public schools in Ohio and Texas since 1974. She welcomes your comments or questions about situations you encounter in music class. Contact Cathy at CathyKnoll@gmail.com or visit her resources http://FAQautism.com and http://MusicWorksPublications.com
Posted by: Erin Ebnet in Music Therapy on
Mar 05, 2010
Recently, I took over a few weekly music therapy groups with teenagers and at a co-workers suggestion, I decided to have an 8 week unit of musical games to coincide with the Winter Olympics this year. Many of the teens were intrigued by the idea of musical games and wondered what exactly that might entail. First, they were divided into two teams and they had to come up with their own team names. They were then told that they would be able to earn points by working in their teams while playing the games and that there would be a “closing awards ceremony” at the end unit which they seemed to be excited about. However, once I told them that they would also have to write their own individual goals and team goals to earn additional points, some of the teens became a bit skeptical.
Posted by: Kelly, MA, MT-BC in Music Therapy on
Mar 04, 2010
 WATERLOO - When music therapist Lucy Schipper walked into Mike Staebell's room at Rosewood Estate last week, the 90-year-old was ready to go.
In one hand he held a silver harmonica. The other clutched a CD of classic songs the Waterloo man had recorded a decade earlier. "Time to start?," he asked, launching into a rendition of "Polly Wolly Doodle," a tune made popular by Shirley Temple in the 1935 film "The Littlest Rebel." From preparing solos for high school assemblies to humming while he plowed his fields in Jesup, music had always been part of the retired farmer's life. Now it's a tool for keeping the senior happy and healthy. Singing and playing the harmonica have helped Staebell, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, maintain breath support. It also brings joy to his life. "For Mike, this is validation of life experiences," said Schipper, who works with Staebell twice a month. "He's able to re-live what was most important in his life and experience that again on a day-to-day basis." Read more at WCF Courier.
Posted by: Kelly, MA, MT-BC in Music Therapy on
Mar 03, 2010
“Is music therapy reimbursable?” is the question I am asked almost every day! I can sense the feeling of disappointment when I say, “Well, it depends on several things, including how old the client is, what school they attend (if applicable), what state you live in and what types of funding they receive”. Here is the breakdown of what is happening in both Iowa and Illinois in terms of third party funding for music therapy.
Posted by: Kelly, MA, MT-BC in Music Therapy on
Mar 03, 2010
As music therapy grows as a profession, it seems that more and more people tell me, "Help! I need a music therapist! Where can I find one?".
Posted by: Kelly, MA, MT-BC in Music Therapy on
Mar 02, 2010
It is Music Therapy Awareness Week here in the State of Iowa! It is a week where we take time to recognize the music therapists in our state and also to take a moment to increase awareness about the field of music therapy. {read more} What is music therapy? It is the clinical and evidenced based use of music to achieve non-musical goals such as cognitive skills, communication skills, motor skills, emotional skills and social skills. For example, a person who has suffered a stroke may not speak, or may have difficulty communicating with others, but when they hear “You Are My Sunshine”, they are able to sing the entire song independently. As a music therapist, I am able to access parts of the brain that may not be affected by disease or trauma and help the person learn to speak or communicate again through music.
Posted by: Natalie Mixa in Music Therapy on
Feb 26, 2010
On a cold January morning, I started internship in music therapy feeling nervous and not knowing what to expect. But I never would have expected how much the clients I have met have impacted my own life. I am honored to spend time with hospice patients, geriatric clients, some children, and adults with developmental disabilities. Some particular clients have stood out for me and changed my outlook on life. One client is an elderly man who lives in an assisted living facility and his wife comes to the music therapy session each week. She is such a graceful person with a joyful attitude towards life. I watch her look at her husband with so much love and affection and how much it must pain her that she can no longer live with him. These two clients have taught me the value of a simple smile, the utterance of a few words, and the value of sacrificial love.
This brief video post is the first in a series focusing on basic principles and helpful hints for dealing with challenging issues and maximizing the learning experience for all involved.
Cathy Knoll, MA, MT-BC, is a board certified music therapist with experience in public schools in Ohio and Texas since 1974. She lives and works in Stephenville, TX, where she has contracted direct and consultative music therapy services to public school special education classes, group homes, and individuals since 1978. Her interactions with classroom teachers and music educators over the years have taught her that some students with special needs require specific strategies to help them participate successfully in music education classes.
Contact Cathy at CathyKnoll@gmail.com or visit FAQautism.com or MusicWorksPublications.com
Posted by: Lucy Schipper in Music Therapy on
Jan 29, 2010
Tuesdays 9:30-10:00am February 16-March 23, 2010 West Music is proud to introduce a program designed to meet the needs of children with autism in the Cedar Valley. This six-week music therapy group will meet 1 time a week and will contain 3-5 children. Open to pre-elementary children ages 2-5.
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