Music therapy
Cambridgeshire Music operates one of the largest teams of music therapists in the country. Since its establishment in 1995 the team has gone from strength to strength with music therapists working in special schools, mainstream schools, units attached to schools and children's centres across Cambridgeshire.
Music Therapy is a therapeutic intervention similar to counselling or psychotherapy using music as the means of communication. Music Therapists are trained to masters degree level and are registered by the Health Professions Council. Music Therapists work with individuals or groups developing relationships through improvised music making. Children and young people play a variety of simple percussion, string and wind instruments and the therapist responds on his/her own instrument. Through joint music making positive changes in behaviour, emotional well-being and communication is facilitated.
View our gallery photos 'In Pictures'.
cm_music_therapy_leaflet.pdf (422.9 KB)
Music therapists work with children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties as well as children with autism or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Children with autism can be very motivated by music and can be encouraged to participate in these interactive musical exchanges. The regularity of sessions becomes predictable and thus reassuring for the child.
Children with behavioural problems in a class
setting may find it easier to establish a
relationship with a therapist in a one-to-one
situation. In this context, challenging behaviour
can be assessed and negative responses often
channelled into constructive playing. Music
therapy may enable the child to understand their
behaviour and develop new ways of relating to
other people.
Aims in music therapy are mostly non-musical and are determined by the needs of each individual, for example:
- Providing a medium for self expression
Providing emotional support
Building confidence and self esteem
Decreasing tension, anxiety and challenging behaviour
Enhancing awareness of self and others
Developing social skills such as listening, turntaking and sharing
Developing co-ordination and movement
The music therapist may work with individuals or groups. An initial assessment provides information to help decide on goals, or inform about needs resulting from conditions and circumstances such as complex needs, learning difficulties, trauma, bereavement and exclusion. Following assessment, a period of music therapy may be recommended relating to the identified needs. Music therapists liase regularly about their work with teachers, parents or carers and other health and social care professionals who may be involved with an individual child or young person.
Referrals for music therapy from all areas within Cambridgeshire County Council Children and Young People’s Services, schools, health providers, voluntary sector agencies and other professionals, can now be made using the Single Agency Referral Form (SARF).
For more information about music therapy please contact the Cambridgeshire Music office on 01480 373500.
Case Studies
joint-professional-reflections-1.pdf (26 Kb)
joint-professional-reflections-2.pdf (26 Kb)
joint-professional-reflections-3.pdf (26 Kb)
teaching-assistant-reflections.pdf (23 Kb)
therapist-description-and-reflections.pdf (26 Kb)
Useful Links
British Association of Music Therapy
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre and Research forum
Anglia Ruskin University, Music Therapy Department
Music Therapy World, International website of music therapy - including e-magazine, research database and articles to download
World Forum for Music Therapy, online journal and community forum