In Perfect Harmony: Music Therapy and Music Education
by • March 6, 2015 • Uncategorized • 1 Comment
Music education is important to a child’s education. Music affects the brain and learning in ways that nothing else can. As many children already receive music education during the school week it might be easy to think, “We don’t need music therapy, too.” But did you know that music education and music therapy have key differences?
Although both of these disciplines use music, the outcomes are different. Here are a few examples.
|
Music Action |
Music Education Outcome |
Music Therapy Outcome |
| Playing the piano | To be able to play the song correctly with minimal mistakes | To be able to isolate each finger and coordinate finger movement |
| Singing a song | To be able to sing on pitch and with the correct rhythm | To be able to initiate a phrase and use appropriate volume |
| Writing a song | To learn theory and how a song is composed | To provide structure for self-expression in a safe, predictable environment |
| Singing in a choir | To sing your part correctly and blend with the other members | To maintain quality of life through socialization |
The goal of music education is a music related outcome, such as how to play an instrument or how to compose a song. Music therapy outcomes, however, are functional, such as language skills, social skills, and attention to task.
In music education, you can have an individual lesson or be part of a group (such as choir or band.) The same goes for music therapy. We offer individual and group sessions, both of which are tailored for the individuals participating in the session. The interventions and music used reflect the participants’ interests and are all used to support their therapeutic needs.
Interested in more information about music therapy or adapted lessons? Contact us here at Noteable Progressions by emailing Darcy at darcy@noteableprogressions.com or calling our office (240) 394-9399.
Pingback: So Many Instruments, So Little Time… | Noteable Progressions