Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist the healing and personal growth of people with identified emotional, intellectual, physical or social needs.

Put simply, it is helping people to achieve their goals using music.

Music therapists use the special qualities of music in a shared relationship with their clients, to meet personal needs, support learning, and promote healing and change. They work with people of all ages and abilities, with individuals and groups, and in many different settings.

At Kimi Ora, music therapists help students to explore music in the curriculum and to work towards their goals in a supportive and interactive musical environment. Most students take part in music therapy through a group session with their class, and sometimes students have individual sessions as well. Some students may have music specific goals, such as learning to play an instrument, and others might be working on other goals in the music session.

For example:

• Working on hand grip by holding a beater to play a drum or xylophone
• Using a communication device to choose a song or instrument to play
• Developing turn-taking, sharing and other social skills in a group session
• Expressing emotions through singing, playing, movement and choices

Music can also reduce stress and tension, enhance cultural and spiritual identity and provide support for someone experiencing loss, grief or pain.

Everyone can join in with the music therapy session regardless of musical knowledge or training – it’s the taking part that counts! Many students are very motivated by music and can express their individual personalities through their choices and participation. 

Music is incorporated in daily school life in many areas outside of the music therapy sessions also.

To find out more about Music therapy visit http://www.musictherapy.org.nz/.