What happens in a typical music therapy session?

 Music therapy is a very individualized process and as such there is no “typical” session.  Aaron works with individuals with a very diverse set of abilities.  In the context of music therapy sessions participants may experience.

These experiences are designed to accommodate and welcome any level of ability.   Aaron has worked with children who have severe and profound disabilities and no previous musical experience, as well as teens and adults who are gifted musicians and everything in between.

Do I need to have musical training or ability to participate in or benefit from music therapy?

Although human aptitude and musical ability varies widely from person to person, everyone has some musical ability and innate rhythmic skill (we all breathe which is a rhythmic activity).  Many people have been taught that they are unmusical. Part of the music therapist’s job is to assist people in finding and connecting with the music and musical ability that is innate  Over the years participants in Aaron's session have presented a very wide range of ability and skills in music ranging from medically frail children with profound physical and mental disabilities to highly skilled and creative musicians. No previous musical training or recognized ability is needed to benefit from music therapy.

  
What Therapeutic goals can be achieved in music therapy sessions?

Music Therapy can have a positive impact on many areas of human functioning including (but not limited to): 

           -Acceptance and coping
           -Attending skills
           -Auditory abilities
           -Communication
           -Conflict resolution
           -Creative personal expression
           -Decision-making
           -Emotional release
           -Kinesthetic and tactile abilities
           -Language development
           -Learning and progress toward formative educational milestones
           -Memory recall
           -Self-awareness and self-esteem
           -Social skills

Where is the Music Therapy Centre and how do I get there?

The Music Therapy Centre is located at 1175 Bloor St. West in Toronto.  This centrally located storefront clinic is easy to get to by car and TTC.  It is approximately a 5 minute walk west of Dufferin subway station on the south side of Bloor St.  If coming by car, it is usually easy to find free parking on the surrounding side streets. Metered parking outside the clinic is almost always available for a minimal fee (approx. $1/hour), and there is a municipal "Green P" parking lot a short block to the west.  The clinic room, waiting room, and washroom are all wheelchair accessible.

Do you teach music lessons?

There are often reasons that music therapy sessions may include a music education component that looks much like a conventional music lesson.  Participants may improve their skills on voice, piano, guitar or other instruments, or learn new computer based music making techniques with software such as Reason, or Cubase.  Aaron occasionally teaches conventional guitar or music technology lessons when his schedule allows for it.  His specialty is teaching music therapists guitar and technology skills to enhance their own practice.

What qualifications are required to practice music therapy in Canada?

Music therapists are musicians who have completed a music therapy degree at an accredited University or College.  Musicians audition for acceptance into a four year undergraduate degree or program and/or a two year master's degree in music therapy.  During their training programs, music therapists take theoretical and practical courses in the following areas: music performance; music history and theory; ensemble playing; improvisation; developmental, abnormal, clinical and neurological psychology; research methods; and social work.  Following graduation, novice music therapists undertake a 1000 hour (6 months, full time) internship under the supervision of an experienced and accredited music therapist.  During the internship, therapists hone their skills in observation, assessment, treatment planning, clinical documentation, and research and program evaluation.  Following completion of the internship, music therapists may apply to the Canadian Association of Music Therapy (CAMT) (www.musictherapy.ca) for the MTA (music therapist accredited) designation.