What is Music Therapy?
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Music Therapy with Children
As the ability to respond to music is usually unaffected by disability, illness or injury, music can often reach a child who finds communication difficult. In a music therapy session there is time for exploring, playing and listening to instruments with the support of a music therapist. Children often find that they are motivated to express themselves in a positive and rewarding way through the music and sounds of the session.
Music therapy is open to everyone, whatever the difficulties, problems or limitations your child may be experiencing. In the sessions they will be encouraged to take part in the way and at the pace that is right for them.
At Bristol MusicSpace we see children who are referred through one of the local NHS Trusts or by parents, carers, nursery staff or other agencies.
After an initial visit to the centre, there is usually a six-week assessment period, to decide whether music therapy is appropriate for your child. Sessions last up to half an hour. You will be able to stay in the room with your child until they are settled, or you can watch the session from a viewing room with a one way mirror.
After the assessment period, music therapy will usually continue on a weekly basis for a minimum of six months.
Unfortunately, although we are a charity, we have to make a charge for sessions that are not funded through the health service.
What will happen in a session?
A wide variety of instruments will be available for your child. This will usually include a piano and a wide range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments.The music therapist will begin to build a relationship with your child through music and sounds, rather than through words. Your child will not be under any pressure to use or play the instruments in any particular way, but given space and time to explore and create sounds as they wish. The only rules will be that neither the instruments nor the music therapist should be damaged!
Over time it is likely that a trusting relationship will develop
between your child and the music therapist, as they share involvement
in the music and sounds of the sessions. This may lead to benefits
such as increased eye-contact and vocal activity; improved attention,
concentration and social interaction; the development of motor
skills; reduced anxiety or tension; and increased confidence.