Music Therapy at Key Center

What is music therapy?

According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address the needs of individuals of all ages, including:

• Physical needs
• Cognitive needs
• Emotional needs
• Social needs

Music therapy interventions can be used to:

Research in music therapy promotes its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

For students with developmental disabilities, music therapy can make the difference between passivity and productivity.  Through the process of music therapy, students can improve such skills as grasping, communicating, walking, and making decisions.

For more information on music therapy, please see these websites:
            www.musictherapy.org
            www.cbmt.org

What is music therapy like at Key Center?

There are two different types of music therapy opportunities available to students at Key Center.

Group Sessions

Every student at Key Center receives group music therapy sessions with his/her classmates every week.  In group sessions, students work on many of the same goals that are in their IEPs. 

Sensorium Program

The Sensorium program consists of three different types of music therapy experiences, as outlined below.  Each class participates in the Sensorium Program twice a month.

Somatron Program

The somatron is a vibro-acoustic mat that produces both the audio and physical vibrations of music.  Some students receive one-on-one sessions on this piece of equipment.  Somatron sessions can be effective in reducing physical and emotional tension.

Be Active!  Be Alert!

In this class, participating students from some rooms have the chance to become more physically and mentally alert through the use of music.

Music and Relaxation

Students from some rooms participate in this class, which aims to help them relax both mentally and physically through music.

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