Uses music as a tool for communication and sometimes for teaching physical movements and skills. Different schools of music therapy apply different psychological techniques to it, e.g. behavioural, psychotherapeutic, Gestalt. Usually involves a keyboard and/or percussion and other simple instruments, either for individual children or for creative group work.
Musical activities, including therapy, differ greatly around the world. All the musical approaches that we know to be available in the UK, and where to find them, are described in Cerebra’s Factsheet 1034, Music. (From the Parent Support helpline, tel: 0800 32 81 159.)
For most children with cerebral palsy, it is likely to be most useful to take part in ordinary integrated music lessons and activities, possibly with some special advice about choosing or adapting an instrument. For children with severe cerebral palsy, or who have significant learning disabilities with it, temporary rehabilitation needs, or a need for communicative group work, focused sessions of music therapy may be useful. A more recent development is the input of music therapists into the choice and use of music in contexts where relaxation, stimulation or pain relief are needed.
Music therapists are regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC), but anyone can practise or teach music in general. Some work in public health and education settings, and others work privately. To find a music therapist, contact the Association of Professional Music Therapists (APMT), tel: 0208 440 4153, www.apmt.org. On the HPC website you can check the current registration of a known therapist, www.apc-uk.org.
Golianu B et al. Non-pharmacological techniques for pain management in neonates. Seminars in Perinatology 2007 Oct;31(5):318-22.
Rainey Perry MM. Relating improvisational music therapy with severely and multiply disabled children to communication development. Journal of Music Therapy 2003 Fall;40(3):227-46.
