Music Therapy Services

Creativity and Growth Through Music

Individual and Group Sessions are available in 45 or 60 minute sessions per week.  Sessions are designed to meet the individual’s language, communication, developmental, social, cognitive, or motor need(s).  The music therapist supports the individual's journey by establishing a positive therapeutic relationship that allows the individual to meet attainable goals determined by the therapist in close collaboration with parents or caregivers.  Individual sessions include a progress summary. An assessment is required prior to registration. To schedule an assessment, call the Fine Arts Music Therapy Office at (440) 951-7500 ext 124.

Social Groups are available for 2-3 peers (typical or similar) in 45 or 60 minute sessions per week.  Sessions focus primarily on proper social interaction, eye contact, sharing, teamwork, taking turns and more, all in the context of group music making.   The music therapist works closely with each individual to address his specific social need within the group setting.  To schedule an assessment or determine a placement for your typical or special needs child, call the Fine Arts Music Therapy Office at (440) 951-7500 ext 124.

Adapted Music Lessons are available on guitar, piano, drums or voice for children through adults with special learning needs.  Lessons are taught by a trained music therapist who incorporates adaptive techniques to facilitate a successful music experience for the individual on his instrument of choice.

To schedule up to three trial lessons, call the Fine Arts Music Therapy Office at (440) 951-7500 ext 124.

Offsite Services are available to preschools, private/public schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other community-based agencies in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties. Whether it be a group or individual session, services are tailored to the specific needs of the agency.  For more information or to schedule a trial session for your facility, please call the Fine Arts Music Therapy Office at (440) 951-7500 ext 124.

Our Therapists | Scholarships | Music Therapy Links |

Music Therapy Facts

Our Therapists

Ann Marie Raddell, MT-BC, NICU MT has recently joined the music thereapy department at The Fine Arts Association.  She received her B.A. in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton.  She is a Board Certified Music Therapist and is a Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist. Ann Marie's former music therapy work includes the Positive Education Program at Phoenix Place and Phoenix Point and the Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare.  She is a member of the American Music Therapy Association.

Ellen Shetler, MT-BC joined the FAA music therapy staff in September 2007. She serves clients at Fine Arts and in the local school systems.  Ellen received her music therapy degree from Marywood University in Scranton, PA and has been a music therapist for 4 years. Ellen has experience working with a variety of populations and enjoys working with children, teens, and adults with special needs.  She is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and enjoys presenting on music therapy locally.

Maureen Unger, MT-BC

B.M., Music Therapy, Ohio University; B.A., Psychology, Ohio University.  Board Certified Music Therapist. Previous experience includes providing music therapy services at the following organizations: New Avenues to Independence in Cleveland, Athens Community Music School, Morrison Elementary School, Hickory Creek Athens, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens, Ohio. Member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni Chapter.  Maureen studied cello with Mick Carrera while at Ohio University. She has participated in master classes from cello professionals such as Michael Gelfand former member of the Cleveland Orchestra and Cello Professor at Youngstown State, and Carter Brey of the New York Philharmonic. Maureen has taught privately for the past 6 years and continues to play for weddings, receptions, and holiday gigs.

Scholarships

The Fine Arts Association offers Music Therapy scholarships through the United Way of Lake County .  Call us at (440) 951-7500 x100 to obtain a scholarship form.

Third party pay is welcomed and accepted from the following organizations:

• Autism Scholarship Program
• Family Resource Services
• ECOT
• Up Side of Down's

We do not accept payment from Medicaid or Medicare. Have more questions? Contact The Fine Arts Association: 440-951-7500 - the Education Office at x118 or the Music Therapy office at x124.

Music Therapy Links

American Music Therapy Association

www.musictherapy.org

Ohio Association of Music Therapists

www.aomt.org

Great Lakes Region of Music Therapy

www.glr-amta.org

Certification Board for Music Therapists

www.cbmt.org

Music Therapy Facts

Definition

Music Therapy is the structured use of music experiences by a trained professional to help individuals of all ages and abilities achieve specific goals such as attention to task, motor development, appropriate social interaction, language development, positive self worth, emotional expression and much more.

Benefits

Everyone can benefit from music therapy, from young children to elderly seniors.  Music is a language "which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."  Persons with almost any disability have ability when it comes to music.  Music therapy clients participate through playing instruments, improvising and making up new songs, singing, or even just listening.  The Fine Arts Association currently serves clients with:  Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation (mild to severe), Attention Deficit Disorder, Lowe's Syndrome, Cornelia DeLange Syndrome, Tourrette's Syndrome, dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

MT-BC

The board certified music therapist (MT-BC) is a highly trained professional that has been educated to work with special populations while also earning a music degree.  The music therapist has completed undergraduate studies in music, theory, special education, counseling and practicum followed by a six month internship.  Finally, the music therapist must pass the board exam to receive the credentials MT-BC.

In music therapy, the MT-BC works closely with parents and care givers to develop goals based on the individual's physical, behavioral, social, emotional, cognitive, language and communication needs.  Music therapy sessions are then designed to help the individual to cope with these unique needs.  In music therapy sessions, therapists use techniques such as music improvisation, receptive music listening, music performance on instruments and with the voice and learning through music.

Instruments

Interactive instruments such as the guitar, piano, autoharp,  Q-Chord (an electronic cousin of the autoharp) and keyboard are most commonly used to engage clients in music activities.  Hand held percussive instruments are often used including drums, maracas, bells, rhythm sticks, claves, castanets, tambourines, wood blocks, and chimes.  Unique instruments such as the ocean drum may also enhance the music therapy experience by providing stimulation.

Also, visual aids are used in music therapy to better facilitate communication.  Visual charts and picture schedules provide a structure and predictability and help to decrease anxiety.  Song choice picture cards and instrument pictures assist clients in making choices, and puppets and bean bags help create fun interactive music activities.

Sessions

Sessions take place once a week for 45 minutes in which the music therapist works with an individual or group to make music through experiences like:

•  Strumming the guitar

•  Singing

•  Music exploration at the piano

•  Playing percussion instruments

•  Movement to music

•  Improvisation on the xylophone

Other music-based experiences within the music therapy session include:

•  Drawing to music

•  Music listening

•  Song and instrument choices

•  Puppetry

•  Reading

•  Stimulation

Assessment

Assessments are conducted for new clients who wish to participate in the music therapy program.  During an assessment session, the individual will be exposed to a variety of different music, instruments and music experiences while the therapist makes observations regarding behavior, motor skills, cognitive skills, language and communication skills, as well as musical ability and interest.  Parents and caregivers will have time to discuss potential goals of music therapy with the music therapist immediately following the assessment session.  To schedule an assessment session, call The Fine Arts Association Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500.

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