Music Therapy in Special Education
Research in Music Therapy has proven its effectiveness for children with autism, Down syndrome, emotional disabilities, cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and language & communication deficits. The goals addressed in a special education setting may include a patient’s social skills, cognitive & academic skills, communication & language, gross & fine motor skills, self-help skills or leisure skills. For more information visit The American Music Therapy Association's website at www.musictherapy.org
Music Therapy for Pediatric Trauma
Music Therapy can be an effective way to meet children where they are as they process trauma they may have experienced due to placement in foster care, adoption, an event and more. Frequently children who have experienced disruptions in their home can benefit from therapy that focuses on teaching self regulation and breathing techniques, impulse control, clear behavioral expectations with increased opportunity for choice making, and coping skills while offering opportunities for sensory integration. Music Therapy can meet all these needs and more as children experience music in an immersive, active way. GCMT staff approaches trauma with an understanding of Trust Based Relational Intervention.
Music Therapy in Medical Settings
Music Therapy is used in a wide variety of medical settings including hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, and rehabilitative facilities. Music Therapy is an effective treatment modality for all patients in these settings. Goals addressed in medical settings may include pain management, lowering blood pressure, improving respiration, reducing heart rate, muscle tension relaxation, anxiety and stress reduction, increasing mood and emotional state, increasing participation in other medical treatments, and improving quality of life. www.musictherapy.org
Music Therapy with Adults
GCMT also offers groups and individual services to adults in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. We are available to contract services with nursing homes, rehab facilities, and individuals to provide Music Therapy services to address goals that include quality of life, reality orientation, reminiscence, decreased pain and anxiety, increased relaxation and breath support, and increase range of motion.
Adaptive Lessons
We offer beginning adaptive guitar and piano lessons for children who may find traditional music lessons difficult. Ages 6 and up.