About Music TherapyMusic therapy is research-based, planned use of music interventions and musical activities to facilitate client-centered therapeutic goals. Music therapy is an allied health profession using music to actively support people as they aim to improve their health, functioning and well-being. People across the age span can access music therapy to manage their physical/mental health, emotional/behavioural patterns, social skills and enhance their quality of life.
There is no musical pre-requisite to engage and benefit from music therapy. Qualified music therapists will assess, plan and provide musical experiences in each session that addresses therapeutic needs and goals established at the assessment for their clients. Music therapists are committed to support and empower people of any age, gender, ability or background. |
What is a Registered Music Therapist
Music Therapy and NDIS |
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is the peak industry body in Australia for Registered Music Therapists (RMT). RMTs are music therapists with eligibility to register with the AMTA by completing a certified university course in music therapy and maintain their skills through ongoing professional development as approved by the AMTA.
Registered Music Therapists are competent musicians, who actively use research-based understanding of the effects that musical experiences can have on behaviours, feelings, thoughts and actions. Music therapists facilitate engaging and interactive musical experiences to achieve clinical goals. These goals may include improved communication, cognition, physical function, mood, wellbeing, and/or spiritual goals. NDIS recognises music therapy as part of the professional Allied Health therapy, under the Therapeutic Supports and Early Intervention Supports registration groups. NDIS requires that music therapy sessions must be conducted by a registered music therapist (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA):
Music Therapy can be claimed through:
Music Therapy is part of the NDIS support category “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills” |
What conditions does music therapy support? |
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CommunicationResearch shows that music therapy improves communication and social skills through interactions such as waiting, turn taking, verbal and non-verbal communications and speech.
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Mental HealthResearch shows that music therapy can reduce anxiety and/or stress, it help regulate moods, energy levels, increase motivation, manage anger, frustration and manage challenging behaviours.
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Physical FunctionsResearch shows that music therapy can improve gross motor function and control fine motor skills. Improve balance, increase physical independence, regulate heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, improve respiratory, muscle strength control and improve sleep.
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Cognitive FunctionsResearch shows that music therapy can increase core executive functions: self-awareness, inhibition, non-verbal and verbal, working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation, planning, problem solving and increase memory and attention.
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