Music Therapy for All, Music for Individuals with Special Needs and Music Therapy for Performers

Music therapy clinical services with the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina provides music therapy treatment for clients of all walks of life and those with special needs. Special learning or life needs, often treated effectively with music therapy, are those typically arising from medical illnesses (strokes, cancer, TBI), handicapping conditions (such as developmental disabilities, physical impairments, emotional disturbances, autism, sensory impairments), Autism, learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions. Services are offered in individual or group settings, as appropriate for the client's needs and abilities.

Musical talent or training are not prerequisites, as music therapy experiences are geared to specific functioning levels, interests and clinical needs of the clients. Sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes, 1 to 2 times weekly.  Music therapy can include learning to play a music instrument.  Most often, music therapy sessions use music as the medium for working on life goals.  Music therapy sessions may be held at the Music Academy or at a community facility or school.

Musicians and arts performers, amateurs and professionals, of all ages can benefit from Music Therapy services as well. Clinicians at the Music Academy have completed certification programs with the Performing Arts Medical Society and provide consultations, treatment sessions and programs relating to performance ergonomics, healthy practice and performance habits, recovery from injury and illness while maintaining performance skills, stage fright and performance anxiety concerns. Please contact us at the Music Academy for more information. 

Music therapy services include:

• Musical therapy for individuals
• Music therapy for groups
• Music therapy for musicians
• Recreational music groups (five or more clients - can include community singing, creative movement, relaxation with music, or rhythm percussion ensemble)
• Music lessons for those with special needs (the primary goal is to learn music performance skills utilizing special accommodations for the student's success)
• Music therapy assessment  (one session of 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the abilities, attention span and tolerance of the client) For the purpose of assisting in psychological, educational or medical diagnosis, or to document a rationale for special education services.
• Institutional/agency music therapy (music therapy services offered at institutional, agency or other special sites away from the Music Academy facility, such as nursing homes, residential group homes, special education settings, daycare programs and inpatient facilities) 

   Active music making and passive music listening bring about relaxation and stress reduction, enhances restful sleep, and elevates a persons mood - counteracting depression, apprehension or fear. Personal goals such as improved self-esteem, enhanced ability to communicate and increased attention span are often reasons individuals come to MAEC. Music therapy allows persons to explore personal feelings, practice problem solving, and strengthen social skills important to daily life. Participation in music activities enhances academic learning; sequential learning; motor, visual and aural discrimination; and communication skills.

   Referrals are welcome from parents, educators, physicians, psychologists, case managers and others involved in an individual's care. To schedule an assessment appointment or for further information call the Music Academy! Call, 252.353.6232, or email, maec@musicacademyec.org, the Music Academy for more information. Or you may complete the online registration form and we will contact you!