Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is a well-established allied health profession that uses music therapeutically to address behavioral, social, psychological, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive functioning. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. For a neurodiverse population, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in behavior and facilitate development of skills. Music therapy may include the use of behavioral, biomedical, developmental, educational, humanistic, adaptive music instruction, and/or other models. Music therapy enhances one’s quality of life, involving relationships between a qualified music therapist and individual; between one individual and another; between the individual and his/her family; and between the music and the participants. These relationships are structured and adapted through the elements of music to create a positive environment and set the occasion for successful growth. At Mosaic Minds Academy, Music therapy will address the typical characteristics listed above in the following ways:

• Music is considered a “universal language” which provides bridges in a non-threatening setting between people and/or between individuals and their environment, facilitating relationships, learning, self-expression, and communication.

• Music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and engaging and may be used as a natural “reinforcer” for desired responses. Music therapy can stimulate individuals to reduce negative and/or self-stimulatory responses and increase participation in more appropriate and socially acceptable ways.

• Music therapy can enable those without language to communicate, participate and express themselves non-verbally. Very often Music Therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills. The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn-taking, listening and responding to another person are augmented in Music Therapy with neurodivergent children to accommodate and address their styles of communication.

• Music therapy allows neurodivergent individuals the opportunity to develop identification and appropriate expression of their emotions.

• Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills.

• Music provides concrete, multi-sensory stimulation (auditory, visual, and tactile). The rhythmic component of music is very organized for the sensory systems. As a result, auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy.

• Musical elements and structures provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks within this predictable but malleable framework.

Our Services

Mosaic Minds Academy Music therapists provide direct or consultative services. They work individually or in small groups, using a variety of music and techniques to engage neurodiverse individuals. They involve clients in singing, listening, moving, playing instruments, and creative activities in a systematic, prescribed manner to influence change in targeted responses or behaviors and help clients meet individual goals and objectives. At Mosaic Minds Academy, we create a musical, familiar environment that encourages positive interpersonal interaction and allows freedom to the children to explore and express themselves. We utilize music that is preferred by and reinforcing and is appropriate for ages, cultures, and environments in which the children interact. We are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding our program or determining whether or not Music Therapy might be right for your child. We accept a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office to discuss coverage provided by your specific plan or to explore alternative payment options.

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