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Methods
Music therapy falls into 2 main types – receptive (or
passive) and active. Receptive methods include listening to
music, live or recorded or the use of imagery as in GIM (guided
imagery and music). Active methods may involve singing, instrument-playing,
improvisation (including vocalisation), song-writing, dance,
drama and movement.
Every client has his or her particular needs. An appropriate
technique to address specific objectives is selected by the
therapist on the basis of the client’s responses to
music. This may change from one session to the next, indeed
within a session, demanding flexibility and sensitivity from
the therapist. Music therapists endeavour to meet the mood
and energy level of the client in order to engage with the
individual before moving into new directions. Music therapy
offers containment of emotional expression and a safe vehicle
for such demonstration. The client is guided back to a comfortable
place before leaving the session.
Models
Music therapists choose from various models developed by their
founders, such as:
the Bonney model – Guided Imagery and Music
the Nordoff-Robbins model – Creative Music Therapy
the Alvin model – Free Improvisation
the Priestley model – Analytical Music Therapy
Other forms of music therapy include Behavioural Music Therapy,
Sound Therapies and Vibroacoustic/vibrotactile Therapies.
Equipment Used in Music Therapy
Nordoff-Robbins (Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins) primarily
used a piano, snare drum or floor tom and cymbal in their
work with disabled children. In addition instruments can include
small percussion instruments, tuned/untuned instruments, guitar…just
about unlimited possibilities. Therapists use their primary
instrument (violin, flute, cello etc) in addition to piano/guitar.
Supplementary equipment may include scarves/ribbons for dancing,
Tibetan bowls or similar, cds and computer programs for composition.
Where needed, some instruments can be modified for use by
people with disabilities eg strap-on percussion instruments.
There are also specifically-designed instruments for the profoundly
disabled such as the sound beam.
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