Kardon

What is Age Appropriate in Music Therapy?

By: Stu Lynd, Kardon Institute Music Therapy Intern

Music has always been a passion of mine. As a child, I was active in a variety of choral groups and I performed in many musicals. I knew once I got to high school that I wanted to study music in college, but I was not sure which route to take. I did not see myself teaching and I wanted to be able to help individuals in some way. When I heard about what music therapy was, I knew right away it was the perfect combination of music and assisting individuals in a variety of different ways.

Through studying music therapy practices, I learned that familiar music could trigger memories, enhance mood, and motivate individuals. I began to ponder the importance of music preference. I know if I were a client I would definitely want to hear familiar music that I had enjoyed at some point in my life. I am sure most clients would agree with me.

I have worked with many individuals with intellectual disabilities, some of whom are adults but prefer repertoire for children. This issue has struck a lot of controversy within our field. Some music therapists question the appropriateness of using children’s music with adults. It’s difficult for me to take sides on this matter because I feel that certain music can be very meaningful to individuals, no matter what age range the music was meant for. However, I think it all depends on the needs of the client and what the therapist is trying to accomplish using the music.

I am really interested in what people have to say about this issue. I have heard the sides of many professionals within my field, and it would be interesting to hear more feedback. It would also be interesting to hear some feedback from non-therapists.

2 Responses to “What is Age Appropriate in Music Therapy?”

1. Christine Lulewicz says:

   May 15, 2011 at 5:47 am

   I liked reading about this. From my perspective, I think that clients should choose the music that they enjoy and what they are capable of doing and the Therapist can work around that.

   Being a client myself, I occasionally enjoy Children’s music as a form of entertainment. But generally speaking, I much perfer to work on Adult music in my Singing, Piano and Guitar playing because of my very strong desire to be challenged as Children’s music can be too easy and can get boring for me rather quickly.

   Other clients, I think, don’t share the desire that I have and like to keep things simple as that can be how far their interest in music goes and for other reasons a well.

   I hope that I have provided some good feedback for this issue.

   Other clients, however, may not share this desire

   Reply
2. Dena Condron says:

   June 2, 2011 at 3:02 am

   In my experience, what matters most is what is appealing and/or important to the individual client. One way I have addressed this issue in my work with clients is to do a children’s song in some sort of updated style, e.g. a jazz version of “This Old Man.” There’s actually quite a body of musical repertoire done this way such as “A Tisket, A Tasket” or “Billy Boy,” both done by jazz greats. I think the therapist needs to work in the best way possible for their client. It may not be ‘age appropriate’ but it’s meaningful and that’s the bottom line.

   Reply