Music therapy provides a unique range of music-based experiences tailored to meet the needs of each individual. These are designed in a purposeful and developmentally appropriate manner to produce positive changes in a client’s behavior and facilitate growth in communication, social/emotional, sensori-motor, and/or cognitive skills. Music therapists work with a wide variety of client populations.
Essentially, a music therapist is using music and music-based strategies to address non-musical goals.
Board Certified Music Therapy Services
Sessions are offered in-home (yours) and through contracts with local facilities. Both 1:1 and group sessions are available. Individual sessions provide a focused learning environment, and are often 30-50 minutes in length, once per week. Group sessions allow for shared play, turn-taking, and listening and responding to others. They are also conducive to facilities wishing to provide services to a large number of participants. For in-home, choose one home location to meet and Music Matters will provide group music therapy sessions for up to 5 individuals. Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes in length, once per week.
Examples of activities may include learning individualized songs to assist with acquisition of academic information, instrument play to facilitate turn taking or motor movement, or singing to facilitate breath control and articulation. This is certainly not an exhaustive list!
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) Services
Music therapists may choose to further their clinical training by participating in advanced training areas, such as neurologic music therapy. NMT is research-based, and uses specific, scientific interventions that apply the use of music and rhythm to address brain-based conditions- including but not limited to: stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, and communication. A link to a list of definitions describing techniques can be found on the link page.
Baby Sing and Sign
This program was developed by a Kansas City music therapist and, in a group class setting, combines equal parts music, play, and sign language to help young ones communicate their basic wants and needs before their vocal mechanisms are developed enough to express verbally- thus helping to reduce frustration on part of the child and adult. Kate is a licensed Sing and Sign instructor.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate with Song! This offering consists of customized, music-based activities conducted by a board certified music therapist at your child’s birthday partyFavor CDs are an option and include music from your party. Music Matters will come to your chosen location within the tri-state area. Depending upon location, a small additional travel fee may apply. Contact with as much notice as possible to assure that your date is available.