Frequently Asked Questions
What is 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.
(from www.musictherapy.org)
What is Music Together?
Music Together® is a music and movement approach to early childhood music development for infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten children and their parents, teachers, and other primary caregivers. It began as an educational project of the Center for Music and Young Children and is now being taught internationally. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.
Who is qualified to practice music therapy?
An MT-BC is qualified to practice music therapy. An MT-BC is a music therapist who completes an approved college music therapy curricula (including an internship) and passes the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists who successfully complete the independently administered examination hold the music therapist-board certified credential (MT-BC). MT-BCs are required to complete additional continuing education coursework to keep their board certification crediential.
What do music therapists do?
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
(From musictherapy.org)
Do you only work with children?
No. We offer services to people of all ages with varying abilities and disabilities. We have worked with clients from one week old to 96 years old.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Anyone can potentially benefit from music therapy. Our therapists have worked with clients with autism, developmental delays, dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, as well as typically developing children and well adults. We offer screenings to determine if music therapy would be an appropriate intervention. Please contact us if you are interested in a screening.
Where are services offered?
Typically services are offered in our studios, as well as schools, group homes, day treatment programs, hospitals, nursing homes, and community centers. Our school has someone who comes to play for our students.
How are you different?
Our staff of board certified music therapists and registered Music Together teachers, most having masters degrees in music therapy, has extensive experience in our field. While a musician may also be beneficial at your facility, we bring the expertise of working with varied populations. We can design a treatment plan specifically for your students or bring a comprehensive and researched music curriculum to your school.
Do you have to have music ability to benefit from music therapy?
No. Many of our clients come to us who enjoy and are motivated by music, but prior musical experience or ability is not required to benefit from services.
Do you teach regular music (piano, voice, instrument) lessons?
Yes. We offer lessons on a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, and guitar. Students have the opportunity to perform in our recitals twice a year.
Is music therapy a reimbursable service?
Some insurance companies reimburse our clients for music therapy services but we do not bill insurance companies directly. We are an approved provider for the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation. We are in the process of becoming an approved provider for the MA system and for the Pennsylvania OBRA Waiver. Please contact us for more information.
Is music therapy a related service on the IEP?
Music therapy may be provided by the public schools either by decision of the IEP team (as a related service) or by decision of the school district (as educational enrichment).
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