Dear Residents, Families, and Friends,
I hope you all have been enjoying the sounds of summer at Kensington Park – including our summer concert series! Lately, I have received some questions about what music therapy is and what it is not.
Whether you are curious to learn more about music therapy or if you or a loved one has experienced music therapy already, let us bust some common music therapy myths!
Myth #1: You have to be “musical” to take part in music therapy. There is no musical experience or background required to take part in music therapy. Music therapists work with participants to help find musical experiences that they will enjoy and be successful with. Often, people without music in their lives will benefit from a music therapist helping them discover the joy of music.
Myth #2: Music therapy is the same as musical entertainment. A common misconception about music therapists is that their role solely involves playing music for the person in the session as a form of entertainment. Enjoyment of music is important in a music therapy session. However, music therapy sessions focus more on meeting individualized goals and objectives through evidence-based music interventions, supported by a therapeutic relationship between the music therapist and the participant.
Myth #3: Music therapy is only for relaxation. Although music therapy is often used to increase relaxation, music therapy goals may also involve increasing emotional or creative expression, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, or movement, among other things. Music therapy is often a dynamic and collaborative process that includes music-making and social interaction between the music therapist and the participant. In addition to active listening, music therapy sessions may involve other musical experiences such as instrument play, improvisation, singing, lyric analysis, and songwriting.
What else would you like to know about music therapy?
For more information on Music Therapy or Brain Wellness, contact Julia McCarren at jmccarren@kensingtonsl.com.