Music Therapy With a Common Goal
Serving Special Needs Populations in Groups
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Besides being an appropriately applied empirical game changer for addressing socialization, physical, mental, and emotional health, music therapy groups can draw the client population into a positive connection with not only their peers, but the facility as well, promoting the expansion of the existing "in house" therapy time if available.
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To start, my services would entail the building of therapeutic relationships with clients as well as staff. I come in with desirable music equipment for display, offer song choices and demonstrate playing techniques to engage participation, turn taking, sharing, eye contact, etc. I would also, at this time, be doing an evaluation of the individuals in the groups to determine skill levels in order to gauge future programming. Through building a positive and encouraging group dynamic, sessions would expand on its base knowledge to create a living, breathing musical experience each week for clients to look forward to. On that note, I hope your location leaders would be encouraged to share their client goals, as well as casual basic information for your clients. I would surely craft activities to suit and support these.
Adaptive Music Lessons
I am also available to work with individuals who have specific musical interests within the facility I serve. This includes adaptive instrumental or vocal education (drums, piano, singing, etc.). Students benefit from individualized or small-group experiences on campus, where instruction meets them at their current skill level. Adaptations to standard music education, such as large-font notation, letter coding, and color coding, ensure success for each student. Students can bring home materials to extend their learning into daily life, fostering communication with family and friends and enhancing self-esteem.
This leisure skill offers valuable benefits, including:
Developing a new musical activity at home
Sharing musical abilities with friends and family
Building social relationships with other musicians
Expanding musical knowledge and interests
Private Practice in Music Therapy
Clients who wish to have a more individualized experience may choose to have private sessions in their chosen location (home, music center, providers home). I am available to provide that, depending on the location and timing of these sessions.
Key Benefits:
Use of at home instruments for practice
Collaboration with family members
Techniques taught to care takers for expanded practice
Improved self-esteem within the family system
Special needs Judaic Music Education
Adaptive Judaic music education designed for individuals with special needs, incorporating singing, instrument play, and movement to foster connection, learning, and cultural engagement.
“Deron School was so lucky to have Melissa as our music therapist for our students. She displayed much enthusiasm, along with her creative and musical talents while educating our multiple disabled population. The Winter and Spring Concert performances under Melissa's leadership were outstanding!”
— Lori Alter, Administrator Deron School
