Music Therapy

Individualized Music Therapy sessions use music to help children work toward individual developmental goals and improve academic, social, emotional, communication and physical skills.

Programs are designed for elementary school aged children and younger.

Fraser adapted music lessons help individuals with special needs learn to play the piano or the guitar. Other instruments will be considered upon request.

In adapted music lessons, a child works on musical and social skills with a music therapist in a fun, positive setting. Adaptations include the use of visuals to help the child understand the structure of the lesson, playing by color to help the child learn how to read music, learning to play songs of interest, and using improvisation to help the child feel comfortable exploring a variety of sounds.

Families are asked to have the instrument of choice at home in order for the child to carry the skills learned in the lesson to the home (piano keyboards with a minimum of 24 keys are acceptable).

Musical Journeys is a fun and interactive way to build social and communication skills for children in a group setting. Each group session includes sensory time, hello song, instrument games, dancing and movement, language skills, social communication games, relaxation time, and goodbye song.

Musical Journeys is offered to children of all ages; groups are scheduled by age and skill level. Groups are available during after-school hours.

Music therapy small group sessions increase social skills among peers in an intimate setting. Music therapy is a fun, motivating and interactive way to achieve a wide variety of goals. Each session includes answering and asking questions, sharing and taking turns, communicating likes and dislikes, and expressing feelings.

Small music therapy groups are created according to each individual's age and ability. Small groups consist of 2-3 children and one certified music therapist.

Sibling music therapy sessions increase social skills among siblings in an intimate setting. Music therapy is a fun, motivating and interactive way to achieve a wide variety of goals. Each session includes answering and asking questions, sharing and taking turns, communicating likes and dislikes, and expressing feelings.

Music therapy sibling groups are created by looking at the dynamic among siblings and how the children can increase social skills and communication. Small groups consist of 2-3 children and one certified music therapist. All siblings do not need to have special needs to participate in the groups.

Music therapy interns have played an integral part of the rehabilitation team at Fraser since 1991. Our Music Therapy internship program is accredited through the American Music Therapy Association and draws people from across the country.

Creative, energetic students who have completed a four-year degree are encouraged to contact Kay Luedtke-Smith, MT, BC, for more information 612-798-8335 or kay@fraser.org.