Music Therapy
About Music Therapy
At Emble, our Music Therapists play an integral role in our allied health team. Music Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that uses music to support various areas of development in children and adolescents.
Our therapists use a variety of musical activities including singing, dancing, playing instruments, structured music games, and digital music making to tailor interventions to each individual’s needs.
We offer a range of services aimed at addressing the individual needs of each child and family, including:
- Communication and Language Skills: Music Therapy is a powerful tool in fostering the development of speaking and non-speaking communication skills. Our music therapists work closely with our Speech Pathology team, and through engaging musical activities, our music therapists support the development of foundational communication skills such as joint attention, turn-taking, and imitation, which are crucial for language and speech development.
- Social Engagement Skills: Through group instrument play and songwriting activities, our Music Therapists encourage social connection and interaction. Individuals learn skills such as turn-taking, listening, following instructions, and working cooperatively with others. Songwriting promotes self-expression and empathy, fostering a sense of identity and confidence in social settings.
- Sensory Regulation Skills: Music Therapy sessions provide a structured and soothing environment, promoting sensory regulation. By incorporating specific music interactions, our therapists help individuals regulate their responses and increase tolerance to various sensory stimuli. Sensory instruments offer opportunities to integrate sensory information and enhance sensory processing.
- Emotional Regulation Skills: Music Therapy enhances emotional self-expression, literacy, and regulation. Individuals use music to express their mood and emotions through instrument play, singing, and songwriting. Processing bodily sensations during live music-making helps individuals identify and manage their emotions effectively.
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Music and movement activities improve motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. Rhythmic exercises promote bilateral coordination and steady beat perception. Through instrument play and movement, children can enjoy improving their motor skills while engaging in therapeutic music activities.
- Creative Expression: Music Therapy fosters creativity and flexibility through various activities such as songwriting, improvisation, and exploring new instruments. Individuals develop storytelling skills and express themselves in a playful and engaging way.
- Cognitive Skills: Music engages the entire brain, enhancing learning, memory, sequencing, and executive functions. Exploring different rhythms and melodies stimulates auditory processing and language development. Music activities also help build new neural pathways to support broader skills such as speech development and motor skills.
