W H A T I S M U S I C T H E R A P Y ?

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.

A T T H E C O N S E R V A T O R Y . . .

Because music therapy is increasingly recognized for its unique contribution to clients’ quality of life, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music has teamed up with providers of health and human services in the greater Milwaukee metro area to provide clients with easy access to the immense benefits of music therapy.

Music therapy services are available on a contractual basis, tailor-made to the specific needs of each agency or individual.

Starting with 5 clients in 1993, the music therapy program has grown to serve over 900 clients during the 2003-2004 school year. Using a pool of board-certified music therapists, the Conservatory’s music therapy program guarantees strong expertise as well as flexible scheduling when designing a customized music therapy program. Financial Aid is available on a first come-first serve basis.

B E N E F I T S O F M U S I C T H E R A P Y

For Children

• Socialization and self-expression
• Stress and pain management
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states
• Emotional intimacy with parents and family while sharing creative music experiences
• Engaging both hemispheres of the brain which can improve motor, cognitive and speech functions

For Persons with Developmental Disabilities

• Explore personal feelings and therapeutic issues such as self-esteem or personal insight
• Support healthy feelings and thoughts
• Have a sense of control over life through successful experiences
• Express oneself both verbally and non-verbally
• Develop coping and relaxation skills
• Improve academic skills
• Develop decision-making skills
• Interact socially with others
• Improve concentration and attention span
• Resolve conflicts leading to stronger family and peer relationships

• Relaxation for anxiety and stress reduction
• Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states
• Active and positive patient participation in treatment
• Meaningful time and emotional intimacy with family members
  and caregivers
• Improved cognitive and physical functioning
• Improved motor coordination
• Improved alertness and wakefulness
• Increased ability to concentrate and focus
• A boost in immune function
• Decreased isolation

For Support Groups

• Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Sense of control over life though successful experiences
• Lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension
• Enhanced feelings of control
• Developing independence, emotional identification and decision-making skills
• Renewing feelings of self-acceptance and self-healing
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states due to partnership with families, caregivers and peers
• Improved socialization skills and relationships
• Enjoying the beauty of music

M U S I C T H E R A P Y T E A M

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.