Music therapy is the use of sounds and music within an evolving relationship between client and therapist to support and encourage physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Music Therapy: An Art Beyond Words by Leslie Bunt

Responding to music is an instinctive human capacity, unimpaired by injury, handicap or trauma. Music Therapists are clinically trained to use a variety of techniques, including musical improvisation, singing, composition, listening, performance and movement, in order to achieve therapeutic goals. One of the main advantages of Music Therapy is that it is a non-verbal means of communication. When it is difficult to use words to describe a traumatic experience, music can often express the inexpressible. This gives voice to the unheard and unhealed experience, and facilitates the healing process. Internationally, Music Therapy is used with a wide range of client groups. These include people affected by HIV&AIDS, victims of violence, people with physical or mental disability, the elderly, palliative care and work in hospital settings.

In South Africa, music is undeniably a vibrant part of all cultures. It is therefore a powerful tool when working in disadvantaged communities. Music Therapy is not a luxury healthcare activity but rather a clinical service that is able to address therapeutic needs, thus effecting positive change in our target communities. All Music Therapists are required to be registered with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of SA).

Music Therapy: An Art Beyond Words by Leslie Bunt

Music Therapy involves the use of musical experiences and the relationships that develop between therapist and client through music-making to encourage positive change in an individual or group. This is in order to improve the client’s physical and socio – emotional functioning as well as to restore or maintain overall well-being.

Music is a powerful means of communication and of emotional, self or group expression. By responding to the musical expressions of a client, a music therapist can discern something of how that client is in the world. As a musical relationship develops, the client may then be encouraged to explore new ways of communicating and expressing her/himself. This is achieved through carefully structured activities such as singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, music and imagery exercises as well as talking about the music or experiences in sessions. In all instances the use of music is clinically informed.

Music therapists work with a wide variety of people. Some examples include those with learning disabilities, the developmentally delayed, those who have been abused, individuals who suffer from mental illnesses, the mentally and physically handicapped, the elderly (including those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia), the terminally ill, the traumatically brain injured, those who have suffered trauma as well as those persons who do not suffer from a clinical diagnosis.

Music therapists work in schools (mainstream or remedial education), hospitals, nursing facilities, treatment centers, hospices, group homes, prisons, community programs, as well as in private practice.

www.music-therapy.co.za

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