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According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is the clinical & 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.
The purpose of the Music Therapy Clinic is two-fold; namely, to provide music therapy majors with an educational opportunity for hands-on, one-on-one clinical experience under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist; and, secondly, as an outreach to the community to provide quality low-cost music therapy services. Approximately 16-20 clients are served weekly. Among them are individuals of all ages with a variety of challenges, e.g. mental and physical challenges, attention deficit disorders, cerebral-palsy, autism spectrum, closed head injuries, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Marywood Music Therapy Clinic, an integral component of the Music Therapy Program, is housed in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts and supported by the University. Both the therapy room and observation room are accessible to those with physical challenges.
The supervising Board Certified Music Therapist completes the initial music therapy assessment and models the procedure for the student therapists while instructing them in the necessary documentation of responses.
The Marywood Music Therapy Clinic takes a humanistic, improvisational, bottom-up method of working with clients. Students learn to observe their clients' development based on how they relate to the music. Students then study their clients' individual differences, and how those differences impact their learning and relating. Lastly, the students learn how to use music to build a safe and nurturing environment in which clients can grow. The student therapists document each 30-minute session with both qualitative and quantitative data. This experience provides invaluable pre-internship training for prospective music therapists and also assists clients in meeting their goals.
Modest fees are charged for the initial assessment and for each music therapy session to defray operating costs. The students and supervisor are dedicated to making this experience a beneficial one for all concerned.
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