Music Therapy Services

Music therapy is a treatment option for almost everyone. You don’t even have to be “musical” for it to help make a difference in your life! The field has been around since 1950 and, today, you can find music therapists in hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, agencies for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drug and alcohol programs, hospice settings, private practice and more! Countless research studies support its effectiveness in supporting real change. Visit the American Music Therapy Association to find out more.

Music therapy services follow a treatment plan.

First, the therapist conducts an initial assessment in order to determine appropriate goals and objectives. Then, data tracking and documentation are ongoing throughout the treatment process with periodic re-evaluation.

Individual Sessions

These 1:1 sessions are tailored to meet your unique strengths and needs. Together, we can focus on the following skills:

• physical
• emotional
• cognitive
• social
• communication skills

Your abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of your life through the following possible modes of treatment:

• singing
• creating music
• moving to music
• listening to music

Group Sessions

Group sessions are designed to bring people together for shared music experiences in a structured setting in order to work on a common focus. Focus areas may include:

• social skills/positive relationships
• music reminiscence
• music and relaxation
• music and movement

Groups often have a maximum capacity of 8-10 so that the work remains therapeutic and goal-directed. Groups typically meet weekly or bi-weekly and the length can vary depending upon the needs identified.

Presentations and Workshops

Are you looking for an educational presentation for your staff, next team meeting, conference, support or special interest group? Melinda is passionate about the field and its benefits and wants to speak to your group!

Melinda is an adjunct faculty member at Nazareth College of Rochester. She is a regular presenter at regional music therapy conferences and gives presentations on behalf of local agencies, local professional associations and support groups including the following:

• American Music Therapy Association (regional conferences)
• Alzheimer’s Association – Train the Trainer
• Lifetime Care – Parkinson Cafe

Possible topics include:

• What is music therapy?
• The benefits of singing for people with Parkinson’s 
• Music and Self-Care
• Music and memory care
• Music for motivation and relaxation