Music Therapy is the intentional use of music by trained professionals to support individuals with special needs as they work towards improving their physical, social, communicative, emotional, intellectual health and wellbeing.
In Music Education, children are taught musical skills and learning musical theory. Music Therapy, however, focuses on using music as a tool to improve emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through specially designed sessions tailored to the individual's needs.
Music Therapists help clients reach a variety of non-musical goals such as improving social skills, expressing emotions, increasing self-confidence, improving fine and gross motor skills, facilitating relaxation and increasing concentration.
All children, adolescents and adults with different developmental, learning and physical disabilities can benefit from music therapy, regardless of their musical skill, culture or background.
Each session is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the client. Therapists use a variety of techniques such as song-writing, singing, drum circles, improvisation, instrument playing, music and movement, and lyric analysis.
As every individual and case is different, therapy sessions will vary depending on the individual’s needs. We offer sessions at school, onsite at our centre, or online through OPConnect. Sessions are typically one hour and include a combination of direct therapy with the child and indirect intervention with parents, caregivers or educators who work with the child.
Music therapists may have a degree, masters or PhD in music and/or therapy. Music Therapy is not currently regulated in Malaysia. Please contact us to find out more about our Music Therapist.
No, however, these may be learned along the way. The instruments used during the music therapy sessions include percussion instruments like maracas, drum, tambourine, shakers, castanets, xylophone, ukulele, guitar, keyboard and more.
Music Therapy is not a replacement for music class. However, our music therapists can recommend music teachers who are confident in teaching children with learning differences. A student may eventually learn some musical skills, however, acquiring musical skills is not the focus of music therapy.
A place of love and nurturing, Oasis Place is the heart of change in Malaysia and beyond. We host regular events, workshops and programmes for children, parents, educators and health professionals to help the learning different community grow and thrive. Ready to jump on board? Check out our current and past events here.
Ready to seek help but prefer to do it from home, school or work? OPConnect is your gateway to all the assessments and therapies you need online. All you need is a computer with a camera, a microphone and internet connection. We use a range of videoconferencing applications including WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype and Zoom. You can connect safely and conveniently to all our psychologists and therapists - any time or place that suits you. Sounds good? Reach out to us today. We are here to help.
Oasis Place is Malaysia’s largest transdisciplinary intervention centre specialising in emotional and clinical psychology therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy and nutritional advice. Our team of experienced psychologists and therapists can assess and treat a range of learning and mental health issues including Autism, ADHD, Asperger's, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, global developmental delay, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, stress and more. It’s never too late to seek help. To find out more about how Oasis Place can help you or a loved one, please reach out to us. We are here to help.
