Jacob began music by entering the room, grabbing an instrument, and throwing it against the wall. He would flap his hands and vocalize as the instrument flew and I knew nothing I could say would reach him. Jacob loves the big gathering drum, so picking up on the rhythm of his movements; I began to play a steady beat and hum in the key of his vocalizations. As I matched Jacob’s movements, he began to slow and quiet. I slowed with him until, looking directly at me, he came to sit on the drum to feel the vibrations. We transitioned into our Hello song from there, and were then able to successfully work on his goals.
Scenes like the one above are an everyday occurrence in music therapy. Children who are unresponsive to verbal or physical commands respond naturally and without distress to music.
Music therapy has a power to cross boundaries, make connections, and provide a meaningful therapeutic experience for children and adults struggling with disability. By utilizing the universal language of music:
- Children who struggle to speak start singing.
- Non-existent or sporadic eye contact becomes regular and meaningful.
- Those who never participated in a group before begin interacting.
- Sharing becomes more frequent than isolation.
- Emotions are expressed, addressed, and processed.
- Learning important skills becomes easier when paired with music.
- Movements that were a struggle to elicit happen naturally and without pressure.
- And much more!
Many families have spoken of therapy feeling like shoving a square peg in a round hole. My music therapy services are individualized to meet the needs and celebrate the strengths of every person I serve.
I invite you to Contact Me for a free consultation to discuss how music therapy can help. Services are offered in Columbia, South Carolina, and surrounding areas.
