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Enhancing Lives Through Music Services

Enhancing Lives Through Music Services

Enhancing Lives Through Music Services 

Do you have a child who recently graduated high school or aged out of their school-based music therapy services? Are you homeschooling or have a school-age child or preschooler who is now learning remotely? Maybe you are looking for a music experience to enrich your child or family members lifeThere are a variety of music opportunities through UMTC that can be conducted in your homeat our office, or virtually. These services are intended for members of our community of all ages and abilities. Read on to see if there is a service that grabs your attention! 

Private Music Therapy Sessions 

Perhaps you are searching for private music therapy services.  There are many circumstances where music therapy may be an appropriate treatment option outside of the school setting – available for both children and adults. Music therapy may be recommended if the individual is more focused or completes tasks more consistently and successfully when music is used.  Another circumstance would be if music elicits a non-verbal individual to make vocal sounds or attempts to sing songs oif an individual has limited mobility and is moving body parts to the beat of the music.  Maybe your loved one has shown a strength in the area of music and you would like to explore the therapeutic options.  The process to receiving music therapy services outside of school is different for everyone. Don’t hesitate to contact us to see what that process may look like for your child or family member.   

Music Appreciation Class 

Music Appreciation Class is a great way to expose the participant to different types of music, instruments, and activities in a small group setting. The best part is that the structure is totally flexible based on the participant’s interests!  The music class leader wants the participant to be in charge and will create memorable, fun, and stimulating activities for them. Music appreciation is appropriate for all ages and abilities including families, siblings, or small groups. 

Learning Through Music Class 

Learning Through Music Class creates a wonderful engaging environment for individuals of any age to learn new skills or concepts.  No matter what the topic, music can be paired with learning.  The class offers instrument playing, singing, movement, and mnemonics (songs paired with concepts for improving and assisting the memory). The groups range from one to five participants 

Instrumental or Voice Lessons  

Private instrumental or voice lessons are meant to be flexible for any learner! Adaptations can be made for diverse learning styles or those with a non-traditional approach to learning.  If you know someone who has always wanted to learn an instrument or learn to sing, lessons through UMTC may be just right for them. We will ensure the lessons are structured for the participant to reach their maximum potential! 

Where are the classes conducted due to COVID19 

Our classes are offered in-home, in schools and preschools, at our Penfield center, and virtually.  In light of the pandemic, the decision of where to provide the service is dependent on the specific circumstances for everyone. Our therapists and class leaders are using PPE and all mandated safety protocol is being followed 

Funding may be available through your Self-Direction budget. For more information about Self-Direction contact our office.  We welcome all questions about community-based music therapy services and prices? Click below to learn more.  

Becoming MT-BCs: Presented by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC

Becoming MT-BCs: Presented by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC

This blog was written by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC  On March 1st myself and my colleague Lauren had the opportunity to attend and present at SUNY Fredonia’s Mini Music Therapy Conference. Our presentation, “Becoming MT-BCs,” aimed to educate and empower student music...

World Music Therapy Week 2024

World Music Therapy Week 2024

This blog was written by Robin Neary and Amy Thomas.  Happy World Music Therapy week! It brings us joy to know that all around the world music therapists are coming together to celebrate and educate our communities on our profession. This year, Upstate Music Therapy...

Current Events: Marcus Whitman Community Partnership Event

Current Events: Marcus Whitman Community Partnership Event

This blog post was written by Robin Neary, MT-BC This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Robin Neary, MT-BC, Jamie Swieringa, MT-BC, and Casey Kunzer, MT had the pleasure of attending Marcus Whitman School District’s Community Partnership Event. Families,...

Music Lessons for All Learners

Music Lessons for All Learners

Did you know that there are many ways to learn how to sing or play instruments?  For some individuals, the “traditional” way of learning a musical skill may simply not be as effective or create a successful learning environment, possibly due to physical or mental limitations, learning impairments, emotional struggles, or other challenges.    

Adapted music lessons provide an environment where individuals can thrive and be successful.  Lessons are tailored specifically to the individual’s strengths, skills, competence levels, and physical and emotional capabilities.   

As music therapists, we are specifically trained to recognize individual needs and strengths, and to create an environment for success.  We do this by meeting each individual where they are and utilizing their assets to determine the best starting point for learning.  We can teach musical skills in ways that are most effective for that individual, using various tools and strategies that will tailor success and satisfaction.  Even if the individual can learn in a more traditional manner, we are able to address specific needs that may arise. 

Adaptive methods for music instruction may include matching colors, letters, numbers; use of songs or rhythmic chants to help retain the information; use of nontraditional tunings; varying lesson lengths based on abilities; or strategically planned breaks and rewards.  All methods are specifically planned to create a success-oriented experience.   

Here are a few examples of how we may adapt lessons to meet specific needs: 

  • Colors, shapes, letters, numbers, etc., rather than complex musical notation 
  • Stickers or templates 
  • Alternate or simplified tuning methods 
  • Tools such as “Chord Buddy” or “Rock-iT Barre” for the guitar 
  • Simplified, enlarged, or highlighted music 
  • Schedules/Checklists to help with structure and predictability 
  • Emphasis on favorite songs and music styles for increased motivation 
  • Sensory breaks or engaging in preferred music activities between challenging tasks 

Participating in music lessons can have a variety of benefits outside of just learning the skill: 

  • Raised self-esteem 
  • Improved focus and attention to task 
  • Increased ability to complete tasks 
  • A more positive mood 
  • Improved Eye/Hand Coordination 
  • Improved Fine Motor Planning 
  • Improved Auditory Processing 
  • Improved Sensory Tolerance 

Adapted lessons are available for a variety of instruments includingvoice, piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet. All lessons provided by Upstate Music Therapy Center are taught by a board-certified music therapist.  

If you or your child are interested in pursuing adapted lessons, feel free to scroll down and send us a message using the Contact Us form. If you are unsure about where to start, we can assist in determining what instrument may be the best fit for you or your child to begin with.