What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings. (American Music Therapy Association)
No particular musical ability or training is needed to benefit from music therapy. Since music is a form of sensory stimulation, it provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it, which eventually leads to therapeutic benefits.
The Music Therapy and Wellness Team
Ten staff members provide a wide variety of specialties in different fields such as: Geriatrics, Alzheimer’s, physical and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, neurology, eating disorders, oncology/cancer counseling, pediatrics, early childhood, and many more. We guarantee professionalism and a personal approach to each of our clients.
Bonnie Jean Barczak, MT-BC, WMTR - Music Therapy Department Chair
WCM faculty member since 1998. B.A., Trinity College (Deerfield, IL); Equivalency, Music Therapy, Alverno College. Ms. Barczak is a board-certified music therapist who is currently serving as Vice-President for the Great Lakes Region of music therapists. Ms. Barczak is the clinical training director for the Conservatory’s music therapy internship program. Ms. Barczak served as Vice President, Continuing Education Chair, and 2005 Great Lakes Regional Conference (Wisconsin) co-chair. Ms. Barczak has been the choir director for the Greater Milwaukee Chorale (2000-2007) and Alverno College (2000-2005).
Additional Music Therapy Information
Music Therapy Classes
American Music Therapy Association
Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy