Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession which uses music to actively support people to achieve non-music goals in areas such as health, functioning, and wellbeing.
Music therapy at The Crescent School focuses on four main goals:
- developing independence in communication
- using gestures, signs, and symbols, encouraging the use of voice and words enhancing clarity of speech
- developing skills for learning
- engaging with teaching staff, therapists and peers
- learning to listen, wait and share
- following instructions and completing tasks
- expressing ideas
- working as a team
- building community links
- creating, rehearsing and sharing performance pieces
- performing with the Goulburn Community of Public Schools
- participating in Music: 'Count Us In'
- performing at the Salvation Army Gill-Waminda Aged Care Facility
- attending diverse music performances both within the school and the wider community
- enhancing wellbeing
- providing vibrant musical experiences
- fostering feelings of belonging
- facilitating expression of identity.
Students attend a group music therapy session each week, which may involve singing, song writing, instrument play, and/or movement activities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the junior choir and an additional multi-sensory music therapy group. Each session is delivered, documented and evaluated by a registered music therapist.
