FAQ
You Ask - We Answer
DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
Many clients are self-referred, or recommended by an allied health professional or family member. You can just contact us and make an enquiry. We will send out a referral form and more information about the service and go from there.
DO I NEED AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT?
An assessment is always carried out to determine the course of therapy. Necessary information will be obtained from the family members and team members working with the client as well as access to relevant files to provide the best outcome for the client. The functional assessment sessions determines whether the client could benefit from music therapy and if so what the strengths, needs and the direction of therapy would be.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A MUSIC THERAPY SESSION?
Music Therapy sessions vary according to the setting, clients needs and the theoretical approach of the facility and music therapist.
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These sessions are designed around the non-musical treatment goals and objectives set up by the therapy team and the client. These sessions could be individual or group sessions, they could be with family members or key members of the client’s life or just between the therapist and client.
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Clients to not have to have any prior training or musical skills to benefit from music therapy.The interventions may include both passive and active participation. The client is not forced to participate in any way during the session and the sessions are set at the client’s participation pace.
The sessions may include discussion, singing, playing instruments, relaxation, dyaphramic breathing, improvisation, song writing, movement activities, lyric analysis, or adaptive music lessons.
These sessions are reviewed, and the focus of the sessions shift when necessary. The RMT works closely with the clients therapy team and provides a summary of the Music therapy sessions when needed. Minimally this is every 6 months, with a report every 12 months, depending on the agreement with the client and their key person.
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If you want to know more detail and examples check out the NZ music Therapy website www.musictherapy.org.nz
WHERE IS MUSIC THERAPY HELD?
Where possible music therapy is carried out in a music room where privacy can be guaranteed, however a quiet room in your own home is just as suitable. You do not need to own a piano as music therapist’s use a variety of portable instruments.
SMT Therapists see clients in the community, and at there clinic at the Granada Centre, Halswell
Individuals or groups agree on the length of each session and there is a commitment for attendance from both clients and staff.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUSIC THERAPY AND MUSIC TEACHING?
The difference is largely in the goals. Music therapy goals are non-musical whereas music teaching goals are  musical. MT uses music as a tool to achieve non-musical goals. In some instances there may be improvements in musical abilities however this is not the focus. Music therapists focus on functional non-musical skills.
WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A MUSIC THERAPIST?
Music Therapy is a 2 year Master’s Degree through New Zealand School of Music.
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To find out more go to: http://www.musictherapy.org.nz/training/
Please note: People do call themselves Music Therapists and they do not have the training. Ask them about their training – and to be sure ask if they are registered.
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A Registered MT meets the qualifications and professional standards of the NZ registration board.
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WHAT IS THE COST?
SMT services range from $70. Please contact SMT for an updated list of service costs.