Frequently Asked Questions
Your Music Therapy Questions Answered
We understand you may have questions about music therapy and how it works. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Music Therapy
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing. (This definition comes from the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc.)
Music therapists partner with people to set goals to be worked on in music therapy. These might be communication, social, movement, emotional, and/or spiritual goals. A range of music-making methods are incorporated, within a safe therapeutic relationship. Music therapists are committed to supporting people of any age and ability regardless of musical skill, culture or background.
Who are Registered Music Therapists?
Registered Music Therapists are skilled musicians who have trained at university to understand how music impacts behaviours, cognitive processes and emotions. They must be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc.
Further information: To watch engaging case studies and interviews with leading music therapists working in neurorehabilitation, disability, aged care, palliative, mental health and pediatric, please visit the RMTs Change Lives website.
Neurologic Music Therapy®
What is Neurologic Music Therapy®?
Neurologic Music Therapy® is an advanced form of music therapy that uses research-based techniques to address cognitive, sensory and motor functions that are affected by neurological diseases of the human nervous system.
Research has shown that music and rhythm affect multiple areas of the human brain at once on a subconscious level. Neurologic Music Therapists use music and rhythm to “bypass” the affected areas of the brain and work with undamaged areas of the brain to create new neuropathways, thus improving brain function.
Neurologic Music Therapists are required to complete specialised training beyond standard music therapy qualifications.
Neurologic Music Therapy® programs are developed specifically for people of all ages with neurological disorders including, but not limited to:
- Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Developmental disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism
- Other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, and communication.
What kind of therapeutic outcomes can be expected from Neurologic Music Therapy®?
Musicgrace has a special focus on rehabilitative work for people with neurological disorders. The outcomes will vary for individuals, depending on their goals and their conditions. Some positive outcomes can include:
Cognitive:
- Increase attention functions.
- Facilitate memory recall.
- Improve function skills, such as organization, problem solving, decision making, reasoning and comprehension.
- Facilitate meaningful responsiveness and orientation to time, place and person.
Speech and Language:
- Enhance speech development.
- Improve muscular coordination and pacing for apraxia of speech, dysarthria or fluency disorder.
- Facilitate voice control including inflection, pitch, breath control, timbre and dynamics.
- Facilitate initiation and articulation in speech and language.
- Enhance articulatory control and respiratory strength.
Sensorimotor:
- Improve the control of movement.
- Enhance functional gait patterns.
- Facilitate functional movements.
Musicgrace Sessions
What happens in a Music Therapy Session?
At the first meeting with you, the therapist will assess your needs and abilities. We use a music therapy assessment tool to identify various areas, including current health status, diagnoses, cognition, communication, emotion, social interaction, motor skills, musical preference and musical training. Then we develop a music therapy program to meet your needs and abilities, enabling you to make progress at your own pace.
Our therapist will address specific therapeutic goals using various music interventions, such as:
- Singing
- Lyric discussion or analysis
- Playing musical instruments
- Songwriting
- Listening to music
- Improvising music
- Movement to music
No background in music is required to benefit from Music Therapy, and the sessions are guided by your ability and preference. We do not focus on teaching skills or an instrument, but you may enjoy learning some specific techniques from your therapist as you work together.
What music do we use?
The music that is used during the sessions will be chosen by you or by the therapist. The music therapist will ensure the type of the chosen music, as well as the timing of the interventions, are appropriate for meeting your needs and your goals for the session.
When introducing music, the therapist will base their choice on your current situation. For example, the therapist will ensure the lyrics and melody of a selected piece of music are well matched with your mood and psychological state during the session.
Where is Musicgrace Located?
Our therapist comes to you. Sessions can be conducted in your home or other premises such as aged care facilities, a community centre, disability organisation or rehabilitation centre. Musicgrace is based in Brisbane and services individuals and organisations in the wider Brisbane area.
Getting Started
How do I get started with music therapy?
Getting started is simple:
Contact us
Via phone, email, or our online enquiry form
Initial conversation
To discuss your needs and goals
Book an assessments
With one of our registered music therapists
Begin your journey
With personalised music therapy sessions
What if music therapy isn't working for me?
We regularly review progress and adapt our approach based on your feedback and outcomes. If music therapy isn’t the right fit, we’ll have an honest conversation and can provide referrals to other appropriate services. Your wellbeing is our priority.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out.