Music Therapy

Music therapy is the scientific and evidence-based therapeutic practice of applying music to address client-specific, non-musical goals.

It is applied by a trained music therapist from an accredited university and can be provided in a group or individual setting.

Where can you find us?

In Homes & Daycares

Music therapy can be conducted in the privacy of your own living room, providing a familiar and comfortable environment. We offer in-home sessions for individuals and families in the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk area.

Daycares can also benefit from music therapy by utilizing it to address social goals, cognitive processing, sensory learning, and can create structured, creative play opportunities for groups and individuals within their daily programs. Our music therapy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each daycare and its participants.

Here are a few benefits of Music Therapy for individuals in private homes and daycares:

Promotes relaxation and reduces stress: Music therapy can help create a calming and soothing environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.
Enhances cognitive development: Research has shown that music therapy can improve cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and processing speed.
Develops communication and social skills: Music therapy can help individuals develop communication and social skills by encouraging interaction and collaboration through music-making activities.

In Schools

Music therapy can be integrated into Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals that are developed based on school assessments of learning. For instance, learning to play the piano through music therapy has been shown to improve typing skills and fine motor control for individuals seeking to enhance their typing abilities.

At Chickadee Music Services, we work with schools and families to develop IEP goals that incorporate music therapy interventions to help students achieve their desired outcomes.

Music therapy can provide several benefits in schools, including:

Enhances academic performance: Research has shown that music therapy can help enhance academic performance by improving focus, attention, and memory.
Develops social skills: Music therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for students to interact and develop social skills, such as communication, collaboration, and empathy.
Promotes emotional well-being: Music therapy can help students process and express their emotions, which can contribute to a better mood and emotional well-being.

In Hospitals & Recovery/Addiction Centres

Music therapy is a beneficial option for individuals of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors who are in the hospital battling physical or mental illnesses. Music can be used to alleviate symptoms such as high blood pressure and reduce pain levels. It can also provide patients with a means of expressing themselves through musical playing, with or without words.

Additionally, music therapy can help facilitate relaxation through activities such as singing, songwriting, playing instruments, or simply listening to music. This can be especially important for individuals in the hospital who may be experiencing stress or anxiety related to their medical condition.

Other benefits in hospitals or addiction recovery centres can include:

Enhances pain management: Music therapy can be an effective complement to traditional pain management techniques, such as medication, by reducing pain levels and improving overall mood.
Increased self-awareness: Music therapy can help patients become more self-aware, allowing them to identify and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Addiction recovery support: Music therapy can provide a unique form of support for individuals in addiction recovery, helping them to manage stress and anxiety levels and develop coping skills.

In Long-Term Care & Hospice

Music therapy is a valuable addition to the recreational programming in many senior homes. Music can be used to help alleviate anxiety, promote community, and facilitate creative expression, particularly through familiar tunes and social music exploration groups. A music therapist can offer a range of options, including senior choirs and more, tailored to the needs and interests of long-term care residents.

In hospice and palliative care settings, the demand for music therapy has been rapidly increasing due to its natural therapeutic benefits. While it may not be appropriate for every patient, music therapy can be especially effective for those who are otherwise unresponsive. It can provide additional support in areas such as social isolation and loneliness, emotional distress, physical pain and symptom management, and cognitive disorientation and confusion. Music therapy can help patients and residents experience moments of joy, peace, and positive memories from their past.

Studies show music therapy in Long-term care and hospice centres assists with:

Promoting relaxation and better sleep: Music therapy can help promote relaxation and improve sleep, which is especially important for individuals in long-term care or hospice.
Supporting spiritual and emotional needs: Music therapy can be a source of comfort and support for patients as they face end-of-life issues and spiritual concerns.
Enhancing memory: Music can be a powerful tool for evoking memories and emotions. Music therapy can help individuals in long-term care and hospice to reconnect with their past and find comfort in familiar tunes.

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