Music Therapy at St. Ann Center
Music is a powerful, engaging medium that surrounds us in t.v., the radio, in our schools and churches. Our brains are made to respond to music no matter what functioning level we have in the form of vocalizing, moving, and processing what we hear.
Music Therapy is a unique and creative way to respond to the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. It can improve the quality of life for persons who are well and for children and adults with illnesses or disabilities by:
- ♦ promoting wellness
- ♦ managing stress
- ♦ alleviating pain
- ♦ expressing feelings
- ♦ enhancing memory
- ♦ improving communication
- ♦ promoting physical rehabilitation
At St. Ann Center music therapy includes:
- Music performance groups for increased self-esteem, improved social skills, language development and memory skills
- Active music-making for improved fine and gross motor skills, improved ability to remain on task and follow direction
- Learning through music in music appreciation sessions, choir and other performing group practices
- Improved cognition through song lyric matching, following of musical patterns, and recall of lyrics
A client does not need special music ability to benefit from music therapy.
No one particular style of music is more therapeutic than another – all styles of music can be useful in affecting a client’s life. Individual preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help determine the types of music a music therapist may use.
Individual music therapy sessions are available but require a referral and must be funded separately.
For more information, please contact
Leslie Henry at (414) 482-1340 or Email: lhenry@stanncenter.org
The following information is taken from the American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
What does a music therapist do?
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
How is music therapy provided at St. Ann Center?
Although there is a wealth of musical programming at the center. When recreational music is provided it is not the same as clinical music therapy.
Entertainment is a more passive type of experience for a client, they listen and are part of an audience, not part of the music making. Both entertainment and music therapy are essential to a client’s well being, but music therapy is just that, therapy. The therapy has an assessment of what the client’s needs are, specifically designs goals based on that client’s needs, and measure’s progress toward them.
Music therapy is provided on a one on one basis initiated from a referral to evaluate the individual based on their needs. After the evaluation and assessment are completed, the client has techniques and goals designed for them by a board certified music therapist. Progress is measured and continually re assessed to ensure the client has continual increase in functioning.
How can one receive music therapy services?
The services are done through referral and there is a separate fee for service arrangement. Community options, Community Integration programs, and Family Care will pay for this service when authorized by the case manager.
