Fall 08 Music Therapy Classes

Thursdays 5:15 - 6pm
September 18 - November 20

Tuition is $90 per semester
plus $15 registration fee for new students.

Join us for an informal
“Meet and Greet Session”
Thursday September 4th, 5:15 - 6pm
Room 304
Hugh Hodgson School of Music

You can also get a preview of this class by attending the Extra Special People "ESP Club" camp on Saturday September 13. Contact Extra Special People for further details. (laura@extraspecialpeople.com or www.extraspecialpeople.com)


Music Therapy is a new program for the Community Music School and we have purposely not set age limitations on enrollment while we discover the needs of the community. Please plan to join us for an informal Meet and Greet Session in the School of Music building. For the student, this will be a free “preview” of a music therapy class and your chance to meet our music therapy faculty. It will be our chance to meet you and your family so apprcpriate class activities can be planned for the semester to suit everyone’s needs.

Please return a Music Therapy registration form prior to the Meet and Greet Session so we know to expect you. Tuition does NOT have to be paid until AFTER the Meet and Greet date but must be received by the first class on September 11th for class participation.

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and/or social functioning in children and adults with special needs.. Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. With young children, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in a child’s behavior and facilitate development of his/her communication, social/emotional, sensori-motor, and/or cognitive skills.

Music therapy enhances the quality of life. It involves relationships between a qualified therapist and child; between one child and another; between child and family; and between the music and the participants. These relationships are structured and adapted through the elements of music to create a positive environment and set the occasion for successful growth.

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference
with Young Children?

• Music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels. This “multi-modal approach” facilitates many developmental skills.

• Quality learning and maximum participation occur when children are permitted to experience the joy of play. The medium of music therapy allows this play to occur naturally and frequently.

• Music is highly motivating, yet it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. Enjoyable music activities are designed to be success-oriented and make children feel better about themselves

• Music therapy can help a child manage pain and stressful situations.
  

• Music can encourage socialization, self-expression, communication, and motor development.
  

• Because the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.
  

Students will be expected to display behavior that is appropriate and conducive to the music therapy group setting.  Behaviors that are highly disruptive to the group or that put other students or teachers at risk are not appropriate.  While we will make every attempt to work with and include all students in the group, it is possible that our music therapy faculty may suggest alternate placement following our Meet and Greet Session for students who may be unable to maintain these standards of behavior.    Please understand that any recommendations will be made in an effort to benefit everyone involved.