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Sep 29, 2019 · Whether we work as traveling music therapists, in schools, in mental health, in hospice, or in other settings, we need a plethora of instruments and resources at our disposal, so what do some therapists say are the essentials for their population?
Jul 12, 2019 · Whether the therapist is essentially a keyboard player or a guitarist, a saxophonist or a cellist, they will need a whole plethora of percussion, blowing and plucking instruments to give their client a range of choice for a particular moment, mood or motivation.
Aug 12, 2024 · Overview of Musical Instruments Used in Music Therapy. In music therapy, instruments are more than just tools for making music; they are vital components that facilitate specific therapeutic outcomes, such as emotional expression, cognitive enhancement, and physical coordination.
Sep 1, 2021 · Playing instruments provides numerous benefits to clients in music therapy. Music therapists typically focus on piano, guitar, voice, and percussion for clinical applications.
- Meghan Roche
- Hand Held Percussions
- Guitars and Ukuleles
- Pianos
- Small Hand Drums
- Tambourines
- Maracas
- Push Bells
Hand held percussions are easy to use, make a lot of noise and don’t have a wrong or right way to be played, making them popular in any music therapy session! Hand held percussion instruments provide many different benefits. The cabasa is great for sensory needs as the beads rotate around the head of the instrument; the castanets are great for impr...
Guitars and ukuleles are popular in music therapy sessions as they are easily accessible by both the therapist and the client. They’re instruments that are relatively easy to locate and transport. Being able to control the sound and volume of a guitar makes for a perfect instrument to be played in small groups or one on one. Music therapists have m...
Pianos are a common instrument you’ll find in any music therapy session. The piano gives clients the opportunity to play together with a music therapist while sitting side by side either at the same piano or separate ones. This creates non-verbal connection between the therapist and client. Playing the piano is great for improving fine motor skills...
Small hand drums are a popular choice for music therapy sessions as it can be an easy instrument for music therapists and clients to connect over. Being relatively small, it’s easier to play side by side or at the same time on a drum than any other instrument. Hand drums allow clients the freedom to express themselves as there are no specific melod...
The tambourine is an essential part of a music therapist's kit and is suitable for any music level. Being small and easy to move, the tambourine can be used in sessions to encourage sharing, and can also be used in musical games to improve coordination, social skills among groups and motivate clients to play and participate in sessions.
The maracas are another popular choice in any music therapy session. Maracas are relatively accessible and are easily a crowd favourite. Their distinct sound requires little effort and can instantly grab attention, making it a great tool to build and support social skills. The maracas can also improve gross and fine motor skills in children and adu...
The push bell is a fun and adaptive way for clients to play together in a group or on their own. Learning to follow different melodies can improve memory and concentration, and can also support improvement in social skills and willingness to participate in group scenarios.
Oct 11, 2018 · October 11, 2018. From parents and clients to music therapy students and interns, I have been asked over and over again: “Which instruments do you use the most and recommend I should have in my collection or at home?”
In it, you’ll learn about my top 10 favorite instruments for music therapy, along with how I use each instrument. Additionally, you’ll receive the lyrics, chords, and mp3s for 3 of my original songs I wrote specifically for these instruments.
