Music Therapy

 

New Hampshire Public Radio recently featured our Music Therapy services as part the its Giving Matters series.  Click here to listen.

Music Therapy is an allied health profession similar to occupational and physical therapy. It consists of the use of music to address behavioral, social, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive functioning. Music enables those without language to communicate, participate, and express themselves non-verbally. It promotes relatedness, relaxation, and learning through concrete, multi-sensory stimulation. At the same time, musical structures and elements provide a sense of security and familiarity.

Since music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may assist participants in the development of verbal communication, speech and language skills. In addition, music is highly engaging, and can motivate clients to reduce negative and/or self-stimulatory responses, as well as increase participation in more socially acceptable ways.

 

Photo:  Keith Spiro 

 

 What to Expect

Sessions commence with a consultation with the music therapist, parent/guardian, and student. An assessment of the student’s current level of functioning will take place to determine specific therapeutic goals as well as a timeline for treatment. Goals can be established to coincide with IEP goals, or any goals that the parent/guardian would like the student to achieve. An evaluation will be held approximately every three months.

Shannon Laine, MT-BC is our Director of Music Therapy.  Shannon received her BM in Music Therapy from Anna Maria College, and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with special needs both in hospitals and private situations. Shannon is an accomplished violinist and also plays piano, cello and guitar.

Ryan Judd, MT-BC has a master's degree in Music Therapy and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with an emphasis on Child Development.  He has been working as a music therapist with children, adolescents, and adults with special needs for 10 years.

 

Nicole Visher, MT-BC recieved her B.M., Berklee College of Music as a cello principal. Also a vocalist and pianist, Nicole has worked with the elderly in a variety of musical settings in Boston and supervised Berklee College of Music practicum students in music therapy.

All of our music therapists are board Certified by the American Music Therapy Association.

 

 

 

Music Therapy groups are focused on increasing the student’s social and communication skills, awareness of others, turn taking and following directions.  All groups will have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 participants.  While these groups are offered to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, students may be verbal or non-verbal.  Students are welcome to bring any augmentative communication devices that may enhance communication and participation.  Groups will be determined by age and diagnosis and may include students with differing functioning levels.  Combining differing functioning levels allows for appropriate modeling of peers as well as reinforcement of developing skills.  Typical activities in music therapy groups include instrument playing (percussive instruments, guitar, piano), song writing, improvisation, familiar and unfamiliar song singing, music with movement, and many other music-based activities.  Families are welcome to tour the music school prior to the commencement of a music therapy group.  If interested in a tour, please contact Shannon Laine, MT-BC at (603) 644-4548 or email Shannon to schedule an appointment.

 

Tuition: $336 for 45-minute class/14-week session
Tuesday

 3:15 - 3:45 PM  5 to 7 year olds

Thursday
4:15-5:00 PM       5-7 year olds 

Friday
3:30-4:15        11+ Teen Group
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To bring Music Therapy into your organization, email Shannon Laine or call her at 603-644-4548.

 

To learn more about Music Therapy....