28/11/2024
🎶 A Music Therapist’s Perspective: Why Music Therapy Must Be Protected 🎶
As a music therapist, I have the privilege of witnessing music therapy's profound impact on people of all ages and abilities. Music therapy opens doors to connection, healing, and self-expression from children to older adults.
Music is inherently accessible. Within a therapeutic setting, it becomes even more powerful. Participants are guided to:
-Communicate when words are hard to find. Music gives voice to feelings, thoughts, and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally.
-Explore and express their emotions. Whether it's the joy of a favourite melody or the achievement of creating a song, music helps people safely process complex emotions.
-Strengthen their cognitive abilities. From improving memory in people with dementia to supporting developmental milestones in children, music therapy engages the brain in unique ways.
-Enhance physical abilities. Rhythm can guide movement, helping participants improve motor skills or maintain mobility through structured activities.
-Build social connections. Group music therapy fosters interaction, reduces isolation, and helps people feel part of a community.
-Experience joy and empowerment. For individuals with limited opportunities for independence, creating or participating in music can be a rare source of control and achievement.
Music therapy is a targeted, evidence-based practice. Every session is designed with therapeutic goals tailored to each individual's needs. It's about more than just enjoying music; it's about using music for growth, healing, and resilience.
Recently, the NDIS announced funding cuts that will drastically impact music therapy services. While music therapy will still be funded, the proposed rate reduction from $193 to $67 per hour undermines the profession. This rate is far below what is sustainable for registered music therapists who hold master's degrees and meet rigorous standards of practice.
Music lessons or group music activities cannot replace music therapy. While these are valuable in their own right, they do not provide the same therapeutic outcomes or address the complex needs of individuals with disabilities.
Here's how you can help:
📞 Call Bill Shorten's office at (02) 6277 7200 to voice your support for music therapy. Share these key points:
-Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession requiring advanced training.
-It addresses specific therapeutic goals that improve communication, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
The proposed rate reduction is unsustainable and devalues the profession.
-Ask to reverse the decision and maintain the current full rate of music therapy funding.
-Share your music therapy stories and ask for your name to be recorded.
-Ask that your concerns be passed on to the Minister and that your name and contact details be taken down and recorded. This will help them keep a record of the volume of calls.
Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/keep-music-therapy-as-an-ndis-funded-therapeutic-support?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0okRVUj8HrEcq9z_eFcfIWlWiJxbOEWMoJIWvq2BeirI74zYhpVdE4QDY_aem_z3NEKATsH2HMhhcdbvbMyw
Let's ensure music therapy remains accessible to those who need it most.
Thank you for your support. Your voice can make a difference.
For more information about music therapy, visit the Australian Music Therapy Association website.
