Music in the 20th century; Music therapy.

Music Therapy at Medway

Music Therapist.

• Many students at Medway participate in the inter generational choir, also known as the Alzheimers choir. This is a program that allows students to work with the elderly members of our community who might be suffering with dementia. The group meets every Thursday to share in their love of music.

• Employed in many different settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
• Allied health profession in which music is used to address the needs of individuals
• Practice involves establishing caring relationships with people of all ages.
• Unique among college degree programs. Students must acquire the credential according to the Music Therapist-Board Certifications.
• Background with the love of music is essential.
• Average yearly salary is $50,000.

How Its Used

Autism:

• Helps children develop a sense of social engagement.
• Improves social skills and attentive behavior
• Encourages non-verbal children to get engaged
• Reduces anxiety

Dementia:

• Evokes memories, feelings and sensations
• Contributes to a positive change in mood
• Helps patients to manage their pain and discomfort
• Triggers memories and promotes communication

Palliative Care:

• Improve the quality of life by addressing the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs
• Establishes verbal and non-verbal communication
• Lessens feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Helps reduce fears and anxieties

Benefits

Effectiveness

• Autism
• Dementia
• Depression
• Infant Development
• Sleep Quality
• Stress

Safety

• Certain music can help patients, while others may cause agitation
• Possible that listening to music during medical procedures could interfere with patient's cooperation.
• Listening to music at high volumes may damage ears and lead to hearing loss.

• Enhances learning
• Noninvasive and motivating
• Taps into memories and emotions
• Improves attention skills
• Can improve speech, balance, and memory
• Provides emotional healing
• Helps develop positive self-image
• Aids in prioritizing stress and pain
• Stimulates brain waves
• Make the mind sharper, stronger, and

more useful

History

• The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato
• The 20th century profession formally began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans
• The patients' responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals
• It was evident that the hospital musicians needed some prior training and so the demand grew for a college curriculum
• The National Association for Music Therapy was founded in June of 1950

Music Therapy.

Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities.

Activities

• Group instrument Circle
• Relaxation exercises
• Body percussion (example)
• Dancing
• Singing
• Song discussion
• Musical Bingo
• Performances

Alex and Savanna.