Services

In improvisational music experiences, the client makes up music while playing or singing, extemporaneously creating a melody, rhythm, song, or instrumental piece. The client may improvise alone, in a duet, or in a group that includes the therapist, other clients, and sometimes significant others. The client may use any musical medium within their capabilities (e.g., voice, body sounds, percussion, stringed or wind instruments, keyboard, and so forth). The therapist helps the client by providing the necessary instructions and demonstrations, offering a musical idea or structure upon which to base the improvisation, playing or singing an accompaniment that stimulates or guides the client’s improvising, or presenting a non-musical idea (e.g., image, title, story) for the client to portray through the improvisation.

In re-creative methods, the client learns, sings, plays, or performs pre-composed music or reproduces any kind of musical form presented as a model. Also included are structured music activities and games in which the client performs roles or behaviours that have been specifically defined. The term “re-creative” is used here rather than “performing” because the latter often implies singing or playing a piece before an audience. Re-creative is a broader term that includes rendering, reproducing, realizing, or interpreting any part or all of an existing musical work, whether done with or without an audience.

In composition experiences, the therapist helps the client to write songs, lyrics, or instrumental pieces or to create any kind of musical product, such as music videos or audiotapes. Usually the therapist takes responsibility for the more technical aspects of the process and gauges the client’s participation to their musical capabilities. For example, the client may generate the melody on a simple bar instrument, while the therapist provides the harmonic accompaniment, or the client may produce the lyrics while the therapist composes the melody and harmony to go with them.

In receptive experiences, the client listens to music and responds to the experience silently, verbally, or in another modality. The music used may be live or recorded improvisations, performances, or compositions by the client or therapist or commercial recordings of music literature in various styles (e.g., classical, rock, jazz, country, spiritual, New Age). The listening experience may be focused on physical, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, or spiritual aspects of the music, and the client’s responses are designed according to the therapeutic purpose of the experience.

CMT provides at-home 1:1 sessions individually tailored and reviewed for each client. We are working with the client and key stakeholders to achieve their goals/objectives. The price is at the NDIS recommended rate of $193.99hr + travel.

Music therapy is an approved NDIS allied health support. Music therapy is ​​ included under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living. NDIS participants can use their NDIS funds for music therapy when provided by a registered music therapist (RMT). RMTs are Masters-level qualified professionals who are accredited by the Australian Music Therapy Association.  RMTs support NDIS participants to achieve their goals. The price is at the NDIS recommended rate of $193.99hr.

RMTs are essential multidisciplinary care team members for recovery-oriented mental health care. There is a significant evidence base supporting the value of music therapy for people with mental health issues. Music therapy supports recovery, resilience and well-being at an efficient cost across all care levels.

Music therapy is included in various State and Commonwealth Government programs, including the NDIS, the Victorian Government's Mental Health Fund and Menu, state-funded hospitals, mental health services and palliative care units. It is also a core service in many non-profit, for-purpose organisations. The price is at the NDIS recommended rate of $193.99hr.