by Laura Tam | Apr 11, 2018 | MTC
Helping professions come in many different forms. And while music therapy is an effective therapy modality for individuals of all ages and needs on its own, it can also be a part of a bigger team of allied health professionals.
In this post, I want to showcase other health professions that serve to accomplish many of the same goals as music therapy, as well as show how the expertise of each distinct profession can be used to collaborate with music therapists to maximally serve the needs of each client.
SPEECH THERAPY is implemented by a speech language pathologist (SLP), who works to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)
What might it look like for a speech therapist and music therapist to co-treat together?
For a child who has a speech impairment, a speech therapist may help identify certain physical and neurological components with which the child is having difficulty. The speech therapist and music therapist may design interventions to address the specific impairment, which might look like composing a song that incorporates certain syllables within the song lyrics, certain rhythms that address various motor coordination, and certain note durations to improve breath support.
PHYSICAL THERAPY includes treatment by a physical therapist that creates individual treatment plans to match each person’s goals, helping people improve their fitness and function, avoid surgery, reduce the use of opioids and other drugs, and partner in their own care (American Physical Therapy Association, 2018, n.d.).
What might it look like for a physical therapist and music therapist to co-treat together?
For individuals who have suffered a stroke, it may be hard for the patient to walk at a regular pace for long durations of time. A physical therapist may assist the patient in the physical components of exercising while at the same time, the music therapist may match the exercise with a regular rhythmic beat. By matching the body’s movement with an auditory cue, duration of exercise increases, perception of fatigue decreases, and movement becomes more organized.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes (American Occupational Therapy Association, n.d.).
What might it look like for an occupational therapist and music therapist to co-treat together?
A child with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have difficulty with the daily routine of dressing and undressing. An occupational therapist may work with the child to incorporate certain adaptations, such as adding velcro or elastic to clothing to make changing easier. A music therapist may then compose a song with lyrics that include step-by-step directions for how to open and close the velcro on the child’s jacket.
There are so many ways that individuals of all ages and needs can receive support to have the best quality of life. Isn’t it amazing that all of these therapeutic modalities have their own expertise, yet can come together to form a powerhouse interdisciplinary team?
To find out more about how music therapy can be a part of your loved one’s care, click here.
REFERENCES
American Occupational Therapy Association (n.d). About occupational therapy. Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy.aspx.
American Physical Therapy Association. (n.d). About physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). Retrieved from https://www.moveforwardpt.com/AboutPTsPTAs/Default.aspx.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d). Learn about the CSD professions. Retrieved from https://Amwww.asha.org/Students/Learn-About-the-CSD-Professions/.
by Laura Tam | Feb 6, 2018 | MTC
My name is Laura, and I am the new music therapist at Music Therapy Connections! A lot of my own personal journey to the profession of music therapy got its start from Music Therapy Connections, and I am beyond excited to be working with such a great team, as well as getting to share my experiences with you!
To start out, I would love to share a little bit about myself:
- Music was a big part of my childhood. My three siblings and I grew up taking piano lessons together, and we also all chose to play brass instruments as we got older.
- I love my job! Music therapy challenges me to not only be a skilled musician, but to make meaningful therapeutic connections with individuals of all needs. It is such a privilege to be a part of each client’s individual journey!
- I wouldn’t be here without my teachers. As a recent Master’s graduate, I have had many amazing teachers impact my life. From my beginning piano and French horn teachers to my college professors, each have helped me overcome challenges and have given me the courage to aim high.
Thanks for getting to know me, and in the spirit of my last point, I highly encourage you to thank someone in your life that has impacted you and has made you who you are today!
All the best,
Laura
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 19, 2018 | MTC, Services
This week has been an eventful one at Music Therapy Connections! One of the most exciting parts of this week happened when I had the opportunity to share a presentation with a local women’s fellowship group.
They were so welcoming, kind, and very intrigued by music therapy. I had the pleasure speaking with them and sharing a little bit of what do as music therapists! They asked questions, we sang, played instruments, and laughed together over the course of my time with them.
My favorite questions of the night were…
- Do you have to be musically inclined to receive music therapy? No, that is my job as the therapist! The benefits of music therapy are available to anyone, regardless of musical background.
- Do you work with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease? Absolutely! For more information on how we support neurologic engagement, memory recall and more click here.
- Are your services covered by insurance? Many states offer a waiver for music therapy services; the state of Illinois does not at this time. Because of that, we keep our fees affordable (about the cost of a co-pay) so that those who are interested in services can absolutely pursue them!
This event, and others like it, are a vital part of what we do at Music Therapy Connections.
I think our team would agree that we became music therapists to help others, share music, and share moments. We know that what we do is so important for the nearly 200 people that receive our music therapy services from week to week, and showing our community what we do, how we do it, and answering any questions they have is the foundation to sharing our services with even more individuals!
We know that beyond anything else, we must invest time and care into our community for the business we love to grow and flourish. We have the deepest appreciation for our Music Therapy Connections community, Central Illinois community, and our online community.
Thank you to you all!
Do you know a group that would be interested in hosting a music therapist as a presenter? Do you have any questions yourself? We would love to speak with you; please email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org.
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 12, 2018 | MTC, Services
This month, Music Therapy Connections made another addition to our weekly services! Rachel Rambach is heading up the launch of a new music therapy group for older adults. I wanted to interview Rachel and share with you how we approach music therapy for older adults.
Alisabeth: Rachel, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. I am really excited to share with everyone the great work you’re doing!
Rachel: It’s my pleasure! I’m really excited about this new avenue of services, especially since it was seeing first-hand the effect music had on my grandmother that led me to music therapy. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease when I was in middle school, and as the disease continued to progress, I saw that she was still able to enjoy and communicate through music. One of my last memories with her is singing Christmas carols together at her nursing home.
A: What does music therapy with older adults look like?
R: My new group takes place in the memory care unit of a large senior living facility. There are about 15 residents on the unit, and the group varies in size each week depending on how many residents feel up to coming. The group is held in a really nice common area with a piano, comfy chairs, and couches.
I start with a welcome song, and then sing a variety of tunes both with and without my guitar. I also bring movement props like scarves and small percussion instruments like hand drums and shakers. I reserve the last 15 minutes or so for singing and playing the piano, since the residents really enjoy that. We end with a goodbye song, and then I usually stay for a few minutes to chat with everyone before I leave.
A: What kind of music do you use with older adults?
R: This is the fun part! Since I’ve worked primarily with kids up until now, it’s been a new adventure building up my repertoire of songs for older adults. I’ve compiled a variety of traditional folk songs, spirituals, hymns, musical numbers, older country music, and popular songs from every decade all the way back to the 20s. Some of the residents have also made song requests during our sessions, so I make sure to jot those down and prepare them for the following week.
A: What goals would a music therapist work toward with older adults?
R: Since this is such a new group, right now I’m working on building rapport with the residents and establishing group cohesion. My immediate goals are engagement through singing, facial expression, and body language, and as we continue our work together, I would like to increase verbal communication, encourage gross motor movement, and focus on reminiscence as well.
A: Why does music therapy work for older adults?
R: It really is magical to see an older adult, especially one suffering from memory loss or dementia, connect with a song that has meaning for him or her. Music affects and stimulates the brain in a way that speech alone does not, which is why it can be such a powerful form of communication and therapy for an older adult. The stimulation brought about by music can lead to conversations, surfaced memories, and expression that would not otherwise occur.
A: What would you say to someone who is thinking about music therapy services for an older adult in their life?
R: I would answer first as someone who has seen the powerful effects of music therapy on an older adult family member: it’s an opportunity not only to work on the goals I mentioned above, but to bring added joy into your loved one’s life. On the surface, music therapy can look or seem like a form of entertainment, but the benefits are far-reaching.
Thank you Rachel, for answering some questions today. I am so excited to see this new program grow!
If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for music therapy you can register them for services below! If you have questions email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org!
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 1, 2018 | MTC
Music Therapy Connections began with an idea, and Rachel Rambach serving as a teacher and music therapist for the Springfield community. Years later, Katey Kamerad contacted Rachel as a fellow music therapist in the Springfield area, contracted with her for two years, and not long after that, their partnership began. They began teaching Listen & Learn for Little Ones Classes, moved into a new location, and began building the team you all know now!
At the beginning of 2017, Music Therapy Connections had 3 board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs), a music therapy intern, and five teachers. Throughout the year we have gained two teachers and are looking to start the new year off right with an additional music therapist to further serve Springfield!
This year we have accomplished a great deal as a team. Here are just a few of our highlights from 2017.
Our music therapy team has written over 500 music therapy goals which support non musical development in people of all ages and abilities.
Our team has served nearly 200 students this calendar year!
Music Therapy Connections has held more than 25 Listen & Learn Music classes,
And shared their expertise & knowledge teaching 5 different instruments!
We have held 3 concerts showcasing the talents of our amazing students and clients.
But in all of our successes we know that there is one consistent factor — you! Thank you for bringing your unique talents and gifts to music therapy connections! We are excited to see what the new year has for you!
For more information about music therapy services or lessons, email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org or register below!
by Alisabeth Hopper | Oct 22, 2017 | MTC, Services
I will never forget the first time I watched a patient with Alzheimer’s come to life again.
I was in a music therapy practicum and providing group music therapy services to a group of older adults with varying states of awareness in a residential home. Many of these residents had some form of dementia. One particular resident often enjoyed music therapy by looking downward toward the floor, and when asked, rarely recalled her own name.
That is, until the day we brought in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. It was like someone lit a candle within her and the light and warmth swelled up in her. She straightened her back, lifted her head, and look straight at me before taking a deep breath and singing every single word. I was taken aback. I couldn’t bring myself to stop playing, so I kept going back to the beginning again and again to hear her wise voice sing yet another time.
When we finally cadenced, I expected her to sink back into herself and retreat again, but that is not what happened. For a few moments she was present as she told an elaborate story of playing ball with her brothers. She recalled her hometown, her brothers’ names, and the great details of the trouble they got into together. She belly laughed and smiled for a short while before retreating again.
That day, I left knowing that we gave her a great gift.
For a short while she wasn’t another resident, she was herself again.
Music therapy is a great resource for individuals and families suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Music therapists use techniques alongside client-preferred music to encourage vocalizing, verbalizing, eye contact, social interaction, orientation to time and their environment. In addition, specific groups can be organized to help support residents who experience sundowning. Sundowning occurs when residents experience a higher severity of symptoms and confusion later in the day.
In this video, a music therapy student describes a study she conducted on patients’ experience in mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the effect music therapy had on varying quality of life measurements. Watch the video to see her findings.
Here at Music Therapy Connections, our therapists provide therapeutic support for families and music therapy for individuals suffering with dementia or Alzheimer’s and its effects on their lives.
Our primary objective is to improve every individuals quality of life and provide them with an opportunity to express themselves regardless of their diagnosis or any other barriers.
If you know someone who would benefit from music therapy services you can register them below or email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org.
