What is Music Therapy?
According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapy is a fun and engaging therapeutic service that taps into the creativity of each individual. Through music engagement, various health and wellness benefits can be realized. With regular, ongoing sessions, long-term health, wellness, and rehabilitative goals can be reached.
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"Where words fail music speaks."
- Hans Christian Andersen
Who Benefits from Music Therapy?
Music therapy can be an impactful service for reaching cognitive, physiological, social, and emotional goals for individuals with the following:
Anxiety and Depression
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD)
Autism
Developmental delays or disabilities
Down syndrome
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Mental Health and Wellness needs
Psychological or Emotional Trauma
Speech and language delays or impediments
Traumatic Brain Injury
What does a Music Therapy Session Entail?
Music therapy sessions vary and are individualized depending on the age, diagnosis, clinical needs, and music preferences of the individual. Sessions can take place as one-on-one sessions or in groups.
Music therapy sessions can include playing instruments, singing, moving to music, songwriting or musical storytelling, listening to and discussing music, or learning to play certain instruments and singing. Prior musical experience is not a requirement for music therapy.
INDIVIDUAL MUSIC THERAPY
Individual Music Therapy sessions tailored to your specific needs. These sessions are perfect for people of all ages, including children and are conducted in a comfortable atmosphere conducive to healing.
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Session Length: 45-minutes
GROUP SESSIONS
Group Music Therapy sessions are a fun way to develop social engagement and offer the benefit of a community. These sessions are perfect for people of all ages and are conducted in a welcoming clinical setting.
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Session Length: 45-minutes
ADAPTIVE VOICE LESSONS
VOCAL ENSEMBLE EXPERIENCE
Voice lessons for all levels. We help people get in touch with their voices. Voice lessons are not only valuable for professional singers but also for anyone who would like to feel more confident about their voice in everyday situations or recreational musical activities.
We offer a vocal ensemble experience for people who would like to sing in a group and be part of a musical community. This service is for all ages and is especially valuable for developing confidence in children with social anxiety. This service is also great for businesses or schools that would like to enroll small groups.
Cara Smith
Founding Music Therapist at Life Song.
BACKGROUND
As a Board-Certified Music Therapist with over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of music to enhance the lives of individuals facing diverse clinical needs and diagnoses. My journey in music therapy began at Berklee College of Music, where I earned my bachelor's degree in music therapy. Following my love for international work and the universal language of music, I obtained a master's degree in music therapy and clinical research abroad from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Beyond my therapeutic practice, I am also a professional singer and voice teacher and I perform with various bands and ensembles across Monmouth County. This dual role as a practitioner and performer allows me to bring a unique perspective to my music therapy work, infusing creativity and artistic expression into my therapeutic approach.
SPECIALIZATION & ACHIEVEMENTS
My specialization lies in community music therapy with a profound international and cultural-informed focus. I firmly believe that music plays a pivotal role in shaping both our individual and cultural identities, and I strive to incorporate these elements into my practice. One of my proudest achievements is the founding of the non-profit organization, Umoja Global Community Music Therapy. Through this initiative, my team and I promote therapeutic music programs in East Africa and beyond, extending the healing potential of music to underserved communities. With a deep commitment to the field of music therapy and a dedication to fostering a global sense of unity and well-being, I am honored to continue my journey of healing through music, positively impacting lives in my own community.
I am passionate about positively impacting lives in my community and helping people heal through music.
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