What happens during a music therapy session?
“What happens during a music therapy session?” or “What does a music therapy session looks like?” are two of the most common questions I get asked by prospective clients or people in the community when we talk about music therapy.
The answer to those questions is not that straightforward, as there is no simple explanation that could embrace all the nuances that take place in every music therapy session.
Just like we are all distinct individuals from each other, music therapy sessions are diverse, and what happens in each will depend on several factors:
the individual’s/individuals’ preferences, background, culture, ethnicity, language, etc.
the therapeutic/wellness goals, objectives, as well as needs we aim to address
the setting in which we are working (i.e. music therapy sessions at a nursing home may be different from music therapy sessions that occur in a school setting, or, music therapy sessions with a preschooler may be different than a music therapy session with an older adult, etc.)
the type of session (individual, group, family session)
the mode of delivery, either in-person or via Telehealth (virtual)
the therapist’s style/approach
With these (and possibly many other factors) involved, it is then almost impossible to describe a music therapy session in a generalized way. Because I think you might still be curious about what transpires in a music therapy session, I am going to share with you some examples of what we, as music therapists, might do in a music therapy session with you. My hope is that these examples can give you a better idea about what to expect from music therapy, whether you are wanting to know more about this profession or if you are considering contacting us about receiving music therapy services.
In a music therapy session:
We might sing your favorite songs together (read about the benefits of singing here, here & here)
Or you might choose to just listen to us sing the songs you request. We might talk about them or about you after.
We might have conversations about life, about what you’re thinking, about what you’re feeling…or you may choose to chat about a show you watched or a song you just listened to
We will make music accessible and honor your strengths, abilities, disabilities, essentially, all that makes you you by bringing meaningful ways to engage in music-making to our session
We might introduce you to new-to-you songs, discuss the lyrics, and how they seem to resonate with you
We might talk with your child about feelings and emotions, learn about helpful ways of communicating, and might even write a song about it
We might work collaboratively with you creating meaningful playlists that might help you cope, change your mood, or fall asleep, if you need them
We might create a project together; write a song, a poem, make a music video, etc. to grieve and honor a deceased loved one
We might talk about the many ways you may use music as part of your mental health toolkit for when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help regulating your nervous system
We might play your loved one’s favorite oldies, helping to bring back memories that we’ll cherish together
We might work on fine and gross motor skills, like crossing the midline, with musical instruments to support your rehabilitative goals
We will get to know you and with you, we will co-create a plan to work on the things that matter to you and aim to achieve the mental health goals you may have
I hope that these examples have been helpful in your quest of learning more about music therapy. One thing to remember is that, these examples are just that, examples. No two music therapy sessions are the same because not two individuals we work with (you, your loved one, your child, your parent, etc.), are the same! We all have different abilities, preferences, needs, goals, and we honor that.
So tell me, what other questions you have about music therapy? Ask us a question or contact us about the ways I can help (my services) here.
