What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession where Registered Music Therapists use music-based activities to actively support people with their health, functioning and wellbeing. Music therapy uses music and the relationship formed through musical experiences to support individuals and their families.
Music therapists also use a variety of non-musical therapeutic techniques, and work with a range of other therapists to collectively support the individual to reach their goals.
How can Music Therapy help?
Music Therapy can improve body movement, co-ordination and physical function
It can help:
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Improve fine and gross motor function and control
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Improve balance
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Increase physical independence
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Regulate heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure
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Improve respiratory muscle strength and control
Music Therapy can improve mental health and wellbeing
It can help:
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Reduce anxiety or stress
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Regulate moods and energy levels
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Increase motivation
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Manage anger and frustration
Music Therapy can improve speech, communication and social skills
It can help:
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Improve verbal and non-verbal communication
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Improve physical speech function
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Increase social communication
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Increase social interaction
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Increase independence
Music Therapy can improve memory, attention and cognition
It can help:
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Increase self-awareness, inhibition, working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation, planning and problem solving
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Increase memory and attention
Who is Music Therapy for?
Music Therapy can be effective for a broad range of people based on their therapeutic needs and/or diagnoses.
Some examples of who Music Therapy can assist are:
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Neurodivergent individuals such as Autistic people and people with ADHD
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Children with developmental delays
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Individuals with speech and language disorders
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Individuals with fine and gross motor delays or difficulties
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Individuals with anxiety & depression (including pre and post-natal)
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Individuals with mental health diagnoses such as eating disorders, and personality disorders
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Individuals with Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injuries (ABI & TBI)
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Individuals with dementia and Alzheimers
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Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and disorders such as Parkinson's disease
Funding for Music Therapy
Music Therapy funding types
NDIS - National Disability Insurance Scheme
Music Therapy delivered by a Registered Music Therapist is fully funded under Capacity Building funding. Please see the Music Therapy & the NDIS page for more information.
Victorian Schools Mental Health Fund
The Victorian Schools Mental Health Fund supports Victorian Government schools to select programs, staff and other support from an evidence-based allied health professions, including music therapy. The funding provides schools with opportunities to purchase evidence-based programs and initiatives across the three tiers of intervention
Home Care Package
The Australian Government subsidises organisations and third-party services to provide home care services to eligible older people. Empower Music is available to provide services as a third-party service to your existing Home Care Package.
Private Funding
Clients may chose to pay for Music Therapy services privately when other funding channels are not available to them.