This book explores the use of music therapy in order to enhance the development of independent leisure skills with a variety of special populations. Suggestions are provided for alternative avenues through musical experiences enabling individuals to achieve their greatest potential for independence and a high quality of life.
Musical games and activities can significantly improve the social, emotional, cognitive and motor skills of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, many music therapy resources are written with children in mind, and it can be difficult to find suitable age-appropriate activity ideas for adults. This versatile collection of 100 group music activities is the perfect sourcebook to provide insight to music therapists who are new to working with this client group, and inspiration to those familiar with working with adults but in need of fresh ideas. Each activity is developed in depth, with clear goals and instructions, and includes easy adaptations to suit a wide range of ability levels. With accompanying online downloadable content and sheet music, this book contains a ready supply of lively and original songs that can be used by practitioners of all musical abilities. With this practical and inspiring resource, music therapists, caregivers and other professionals working with adults with developmental and cognitive disorders will never be short of age-appropriate ideas again.
The author describes how, in practice, music therapists work at child day care centres, adult day care centres and in other institutions. The first chapters cover the history and theory of working with music with people with developmental disabilities. The main body of the book covers discussion of the various methods, including individual and group work. Each method is described in terms of the clinical indications, the objectives set and the choice of techniques and musical instruments, and is illustrated through the use of case study. The final chapter draws conclusions for both theory and practice.
Through music therapy interventions individuals with disabilities are encouraged to increase vocalization and make movements to music. Individuals who have Intellectual Disabilities all have diverse strengths, weaknesses, needs, and personalities. Within a group with a variety of individuals it is clear, however, that there are several marked characteristics and needs, which may be common to many individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Two difficult commonly faced are in the area of vocalization skills and gross motor skills (Peters 84). Developing vocalization skills can assist individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in being able to communicate within their community more clearly. Vocalization aids in the development of functional communication skills. It also helps individuals with Intellectual Disabilities communicate their specific needs, wants, and wants, and discomforts within the community. Improving gross motor skills would help individuals to increase their personal independence, not only at the day care center but also in the community. In general, both vocalization and gross motors skill development helps to improve the self-help skills of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, which in-turn increases quality of life. Young adults with disabilities attend daily art and music therapy centered classes aimed at helping to improve daily functioning and increase community integration. A unique and diverse group of students with disabilities attend day programs and communicate by using both verbal and nonverbal communication. Decreased vocalization can make it difficult for some students to clearly express their needs and wants. Limited motor skill decreases participation at a day program, and in home and community activities. Music therapy interventions will assist and encourage individuals with disabilities to increase vocalization and make movements to music, which in turn will improve their quality of life.
This book is designed to teach music to people with special needs. Many of the activities and suggestions in this book could as easily come under the heading of recreational music, that is, the use of music for sheer enjoyment. For people with special needs, recreational music is tremendously important and can provide a safe place for the development of social skills, the release of emotions, and the satisfaction that comes from making music with others. Chapters cover dealing with specific disabilities and include activities that will facilitate the teaching of students who have these problems, "Books, Records, and Tapes" gives suggestions for further sources of information, and a section of addresses of various organizations provides places to obtain materials.
Music has always been an essential part of what it is to be human and yet not everyone has access to the music-based opportunities others take for granted. Motivated by the belief that individuals are disabled by society rather than any impairment they might have, Jane Williams sets out to show how someone with learning difficulties can engage with music in as many diverse and fulfilling ways as the rest of their community and generation. This practical guide will equip you with everything you need to know to help empower people with learning difficulties to experience and enjoy music, meaningfully. It sets out activity ideas in the context of existing Occupational Therapy models and offers a host of tips, resources and ready-to-use themed lesson plans to inspire and enrich your practice. There are also many practical examples and real-life success stories that show how to put the theory into practice, including downloadable tracks composed and performed by The LA Buskers, a band Jane works with. Accessible, practical and inspirational, the unique approaches described in this book will be of immeasurable interest to occupational therapists, social care workers responsible for planning and delivering activity programmes as well as community musicians.
Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.
