Music Therapy Program

Although music therapy and musical entertainment are related and beneficial, music therapy is a distinct service with a specific clinical purpose. In California, music therapists must be certified.

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Assessments, interventions, and outcomes must follow established educational guidelines.

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Music therapy programs are tailored to the population based on professional evaluation and the facility’s recommendations.

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Clients will be grouped by cognitive level in small groups of three or four. Two-hour sessions will be scheduled for residents’ convenience. Therapy may include singing a variety of songs, playing instruments, and observing clients as they sing and dance. Therapists may also use piggyback songwriting and teach or observe expressive hand movements for nonverbal clients. They will document clients’ responses to the music and their interactions.

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The goal is to establish effective communication.

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When applied appropriately, music therapy can help achieve this goal.

 

When communication improves or begins, the timing, response, song, and frequency used will be documented. Our goal is to create a channel for communication, improve quality of life, and support compassionate care.

 

Staff must be involved because they are the residents’ primary support team. They will explain the program to residents, reinforce its benefits, and help sustain participation. Staff may also experience greater job satisfaction when music therapy is successful.