Frequently asked questions about music therapy and Harmonic Tonic.

What is music therapy?

The Australian Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as the following:

Music therapy is an allied health profession practised throughout Australia and in more than 40 counties around the world.

Music therapy is the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and well being.

Music therapy focuses on meeting therapeutic aims, which distinguishes it from musical entertainment or music education.

Music therapy allows an individual’s abilities to be strengthened and new skills to be transferred to other areas of a person’s life.

How can a client expect to benefit from music therapy?

Music therapy for children with a disability can:

• stimulate and enhance communication
• provide an outlet for expression
• provide social interaction and reduce isolation
• improve fine and gross motor skills
• provide cognitive stimulation
• develop and sustain attention
• decrease challenging behaviour
• assist with speech development.

Music therapy for the elderly can:

• improve self-esteem and self-worth
• alleviate feelings or pain, depression or boredom
• decrease restlessness and challenging behaviour
• provide an outlet for expression
• provide social interaction and reduce isolation
• improve respiration
• encourage movement
• provide cognitive stimulation
• assist in recovery from mental or physical illness.

Why refer a person to a music therapy program?

Music therapy can address physiological, psychosocial, emotional, and cognitive needs through the therapeutic relationship.

Who is music therapy suitable for?

People of any age or ability may benefit from a music therapy program regardless of musical skill or background. Music therapy is used in aged care, day centres, early intervention, special education, correctional facilities, palliative care, children’s hospitals, hospitals, community centres, drug and alcohol services, mental health facilities, rehabilitation and private practice.

Who is music therapy not suitable for?

Music therapy may not be suitable for people with:

• no appreciation of music
• amusia
• musical hallucinations
• epilepsy who’s seizures are triggered by music
• autism who are hypersensitive to sound.

If you think a potential client may fit into any of the above categories but may still benefit from music therapy, please inform the music therapist.

What is a Music Therapy program?

Music Therapy programs can address the following objectives socialisation, communication (verbal/non verbal), relaxation, stimulation, pain or stress management, emotional expression, self-expression, self-esteem, motivation, independence, and physical, motor and cognitive skills.

Music therapy programs may involve  improvisation, instrument playing, singing/vocalising, composition, song/lyric writing, music and movement, listening, performance and music imagery.

What does Harmonic Tonic’s Music Therapist do?

The music therapist assesses individuals and groups to identify abilities and needs and will works with the family and other health professionals to establish a comprehensive understanding of his clients. He then develops goals for the clients to be addressed in the music therapy program. He develops a range of musical interventions to address the needs of the client. The music therapist evaluates the program to for its effectiveness.

What musical instruments does the music therapist play?

The music therapist plays guitar, sings and plays some keyboard and percussion.

What qualifications does the music therapist have?

Shaw Herron is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association. He has a Graduate Diploma from the University of Technology Sydney and a BA Communication from University of Canberra.

What is the difference between a music therapist and a music teacher?

A music therapist focuses on meeting therapeutic aims of their clients through the musical abilities that the clients already possess. A music teacher teaches music to extend the musical knowledge and musical abilities of their students.

What is the difference between music therapy and entertainment?

Music therapy focuses on meeting therapeutic aims, which distinguishes it from musical entertainment. Music therapy often involves a large amount of participation by clients rather than just being part of the audience.

What is the ideal size for a music therapy group?

For some clients one on one sessions with the music therapist are best. Groups between 6 and 10 are ideal. However, Harmonic Tonic understands economic constraints and provides music therapy to larger groups.

Can I participate in music therapy with my child, parent, spouse or other relative?

This will depend on the goals the therapist is working on with the client.

In some circumstances a client might feel inhibited or behave differently when a relative is present in a music therapy session. On occasions, a relative’s involvement – while being well meaning – can work counter what the therapist is trying to achieve with the client.

However, participating in music therapy with a relative is often encouraged particularly if it assists with bonding or is something the relative and client can enjoy together.

If you have any questions just ask the music therapist and please don’t take it personally if the music therapist suggests that you don’t participate.

Why have music therapy weekly rather than irregularly?

Clients get to know the therapist and form a bond. The trust that builds between the therapist and the clients allows the client to feel secure and more willing to try new interventions and activities. Weekly sessions also allow clients to build upon the previous week’s activities and interventions. In additions, music therapy varies from week to week which retains the interest of the clients.

Does the music therapist have public liability insurance?

Yes. A copy of a certificate of currency can be provided upon request.

Is the music therapist a member of the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)?

Yes. Shaw Herron is a Registered Music Therapist with the AMTA.

Can the music therapist provide a current National Police Certificate?

Yes. If you intend to engage Harmonic Tonic’s services and require a National Police Certificate, please inform the music therapist and he will arrange a current police certificate.

Can the music therapist provide a Working With Vulnerable People General Registration card for the ACT?

Yes. If you intend to engage Harmonic Tonic’s services and require a Working With Vulnerable People General Registration card, please inform the music therapist and he will arrange a current card to view or copy for your records.

What are some misconceptions about music therapy?

That a client must have some music ability to benefit from music therapy – they don’t. That there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest – this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient’s life. The individual’s preferences, circumstances and the client’s goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.

What if my questions is not answered here?

You can contact Shaw Herron via email or telephone and put your question to him.