This blog post was written by Robin Neary, MT-BC
This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Robin Neary, MT-BC, Jamie Swieringa, MT-BC, and Casey Kunzer, MT had the pleasure of attending Marcus Whitman School District’s Community Partnership Event. Families, professionals, and members of surrounding communities gathered to make connections and share what everyone has to offer!
High school students approached our table, inquisitive with questions and asking for advice and recommendations regarding the first steps to becoming a music therapist (which our fellow therapist Katie Pistilli shared in previous blog posts, “Should I Become a Music Therapist?” and “5 Steps to Becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist”). Observing a session with a music therapist is the best place to start!
Families with children of varying age ranges and abilities shared a moment to make music using the instruments at our table – we even saw some familiar faces!
Community members from Ontario, Yates, Monroe, and Seneca counties shared information about their organizations and events, as well as the opportunities for collaborations.
We shared that music therapy can:
- foster the expression of feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- promote wellness
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- promote physical rehabilitation
We also shared information regarding some of the many benefits of music therapy for children that receive services in schools as part of their educational programming – some examples include:
- Communication
- expressing wants and needs
- speech, sign, communication device
- Cognitive
- learning academics
- recalling information
- Socialization
- interacting with peers and adults
- attending
- following directions
- Physical
- sensory input
- fine-motor skills
- gross-motor skills
Music therapy sessions can be tailored to best fit the needs of individuals and groups of varying age ranges and ability levels. For more information on the services we provide, see our other blog posts “Enhancing Lives Through Music Services” and “How to Make a Music Therapy Referral.”
Thanks to the team at Marcus Whitman School District for allowing us the opportunity to share our passion and our services with the community!