Empowering children through the multifaceted wonders of music.
What is Music Therapy?
Music has a universal power that can be accessible to children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. When utilised as a method of therapy, it may significantly support and encourage physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development and overall health and well-being. Music therapy is an evidence-based intervention that has been used to treat and support children with various challenges, from anxiety to development delays to trauma.
Through music-making activities, we encourage children in a non-judgmental, fun, and open environment in which they can explore their creativity, build resilience and confidence, work on specific physical, cognitive, or emotional goals, and discover the joy of music. Our music therapy Sydney sessions may include exercises such as listening to music played by the therapist or recorded music, making music through singing or playing an instrument, and songwriting.
Music therapy can be tailored to suit each child’s needs, goals, preferences, and interests. At Chatterbox in Sydney, we strive to work with kids to help them feel comfortable exploring the possibilities of music.
How Can Music Therapy Help My Child?
Whether your child is navigating developmental delays, physical or learning disabilities, health conditions, emotional difficulties, or a variety of other challenges and goals, our music therapists can develop sessions that focus on support, growth, and empowerment. Through rhythm, melody, and interactive engagement, we can work towards improving your child’s quality of life.
There is a broad range of potential benefits that a child can gain from taking part in music therapy. Some of these may include:
Emotional Regulation
Music therapy may be a powerful tool for many children when it comes to understanding, controlling, and expressing their emotions. There are countless techniques that can be utilised, from harnessing the calming structure of rhythm and melody to releasing emotions by making noise to considering complex emotions and experiences in song lyrics. Even non-verbal activities can be amazing outlets for processing and displaying feelings.
A musical approach to emotional regulation may help children in a variety of ways, such as:
- Managing transitions and life changes.
- Identifying basic emotions in oneself and in others.
- Understanding and implementing strategies to manage emotions in oneself and of others.
- Our therapists employ many techniques to help children reach these goals, such as:
- Improvisation.
- Songwriting.
- Encouraging articulation and exploration of complex emotions in a safe and creative space.
Social Engagement
Music therapy has the potential to enhance social skills for children. Through collaboration and interactive musical activities, for example, children can create and foster personal connections and develop their communication skills.
Music can provide a shared experience in a communal space that encourages expression and empathy. This approach to therapy aims to promote inclusivity and the development of social bonds.
Music therapy may help children’s social engagement in a variety of ways, such as:
- Learning to share and cooperate.
- Developing negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Following rules
- Problem solving
- We utilise many techniques that aim to help children reach these goals, such as:
- Understanding and using humour
- Group and ensemble activities.
- Collaborative song writing.
- Providing the opportunities to perform to peers if comfortable, or to listen to others perform.
Cognition
There are many components of music that may stimulate and strengthen cognitive functions, such as attention, problem-solving, and memory. Music therapy can also facilitate a multisensory approach to learning.
Music therapy programs may support children’s cognition in a variety of ways, such as:
- Improving their counting skills.
- Understanding social rules.
- Recalling events.
- Maintaining attention in non-preferred activities
There are a variety of techniques that work towards helping children reach these goals, such as incorporating the following into session:
- Memory games.
- Educational songs.
- Musical challenges.
Communication Development
Music therapy can be a dynamic platform for strengthening communication skills in a friendly environment that allows safe and supportive interaction with others. This creative music therapy approach has the potential to support various children’s needs, from speech delays and developmental difficulties to emotional challenges.
Music therapy may enhance a child’s communication development in a variety of ways, such as:
- Promoting non-verbal communication.
- Facilitating joint attention in group music therapy sessions.
- Fostering language skills.
- Providing conversational routines and skills.
- Encouraging them to ask for, give, and respond to information.
- Techniques utilised in music therapy, such as the following may assist children with their communication abilities:
- Turn-taking.
- Singing.
- Call and response exercises.
Fine And Gross Motor Development
Fostering fine and gross motor skills is an important factor in a child’s overall development. Music therapy can support both types in children with or without specific challenges.
Fine motor skills
Music therapy may strengthen fine motor skills in a variety of areas, such as:
- Coordination
- Planning, sequencing, and accuracy of actions.
- Controlled release of objects
- Hand,finger strength
- Crossing the midline
- Music therapy techniques such as the following may assist children with their fine motor skills:
- Playing instruments.
- Writing music and lyrics.
Gross motor skills
Music therapy may strengthen gross motor skills in a variety of areas, such as:
- Stability
- Balance
- Controlled catching and release of big objects.
- Weight shifting
- Speed and agility
- Coordination
- Physical strength.
- Music therapy techniques such as the following may assist children with their gross motor skills:
- Rhythmic movements and dance.
- Interactive games.
Play Skill Development
Play is often about having fun, releasing stress, and creating social connections, but it is also important for children to understand themselves, their bodies, and their environment. Developing play skills also encourages planning, problem-solving, and creativity.
Creative music therapy may enhance play skills in a variety of ways, such as:
- Understanding cause and effect.
- Encouraging imitation.
- Initiating, continuing, and ending play
- Turn-taking.
- Solitary play.
- Functional play
- Symbolic play
- Parallel play
- Co-operative play
- Play skills may be developed through a variety of music therapy techniques such as:
- Playing instruments.
- Taking part in creative and musical activities.
- Improvisation.
Nurture your child’s development through a harmonious blend of evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Music Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
How does a registered music therapist differ from a musician?
While both registered music therapists and musicians have a love for music and may improve people’s lives and well-being, music therapists must have a relevant bachelor’s degree to practice therapy, as well as nationally recognised qualifications and training. A registered music therapist also understands counselling and support methods and how to facilitate relevant interventions to provide children with tools and strategies to improve their quality of life.
Will my child’s disabilities stop them from being able to take part in music therapy programs?
A great thing about music therapy is its adaptability and flexibility. Here at Chatterbox, we are dedicated to creating personalised programs that cater for each child’s needs, abilities, preferences, and goals. There are so many options when it comes to music, which means everyone can experience it in one way or another.
Can my child take part in music therapy programs if they cannot play an instrument, sing, or write or read music?
Absolutely! Music is multifaceted, and we welcome children at any level of music knowledge and ability into our sessions. Whether a child has had prior music education or not, they can take part.
Is music therapy right for my child if they are shy and fears performing in front of others?
Yes! We can develop a music therapy program that supports and encourages your child to learn and grow while maintaining a sense of safety and confidence. Our therapists are passionate about music and about helping children and will not put them in a position that makes them feel unduly stressed or upset.
Why Choose Chatterbox For Music Therapy in Sydney?
At Chatterbox, we offer a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to therapy. We can deliver music therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physiotherapy, depending on what your child requires.
Friendly And Supportive Environment
The Chatterbox music therapists are a dedicated and compassionate lot! Developing a supportive setting for children and their families that encourages growth is what we are all about.
Experienced Therapists
Our team is highly qualified and experienced in providing music therapy to children of all age groups. We can also assist families to support their children outside of sessions.
Evidence-based Approach and High-quality Resources
Chatterbox utilises tools and techniques that are based on well-researched methods. We also offer access to a range of relevant resources.
Chatterbox Invites Your Child to Experience Music Therapy
If your child is dealing with a challenge, whether that be physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, or social, please contact our friendly team at Chatterbox. We can support you and your child through a variety of evidence-based methods that work towards helping their development. Please call your nearest clinic (we have 5 locations). We look forward to welcoming your child into our music therapy Sydney sessions!
Areas We Service For Music Therapy
Looking for Music Therapist in Sydney, or near the surrounding suburbs?
We offer online therapy services as well as services within our clinics in Rosehill, Bella Vista, Oran Park, Penrith & Kingswood.