SNAP is offering music therapy for children and young people at The SNAP Centre.  Therapy is in group and individual sessions for children of all ages.

This article has been written by Isobel Needham, SNAP’s music therapist to explain how the therapy works and its aims for helping children.

Music therapy is based on the understanding that all human beings are able to respond to music, irrespective of musical ability.  It involves the use of sound, rhythm and improvised music in order to form a musical relationship between the child and therapist.  Within this relationship the child can respond, gain confidence and a sense of self.  Change can take place and the child’s areas of strengths and needs can be explored within a safe and creative environment.  Music therapy sessions also offer the child a different experience of shared play, interaction, learning and understanding through verbal and non-verbal modes of communication.  Music-making together provides an opportunity for a stimulating play environment.  Music therapy can be used to look at a child’s development, particularly with social, emotional and communication skills.

Group Music Therapy

A music therapy group provides opportunity for children to engage in spontaneous and creative musical play with their peers, facilitated by a music therapist.  The sessions are semi-structured using a range of music based activities, but with space provided for the group members to initiate and take the lead.  The room is usually set up with a range of percussion instruments and a keyboard.  The specific issues which form the basis of referral criteria include the following:

Attention and listening skills • Peer interaction and turn taking • Co-operation

Motivation and perseverance • Verbal comprehension and expressive language skills

Self-esteem and confidence • Creative play and self expression

Individual Music Therapy

Individual music therapy sessions are child centred, meaning that the music therapist takes the lead entirely from the child.  In effect, this gives the child a sense of autonomy in the room.  The framework for interaction is based upon spontaneous and creative musical play with the therapist.  The room is usually set up with a range of percussion instruments and a keyboard.  The specific issues which form the basis of referral criteria include the following:

Social isolation • Language and social communication • Creative play self-expression

Self-expression and spontaneity • Shared play • Learning through experience

Self-regulation • Self-esteem and confidence