Music therapy

Program description

Music therapy provides support to students with specific needs. Research demonstrates that music therapy can support student mental health and wellbeing.

Registered Music Therapy Therapists (RMTs) deliver music therapy programs for students. RMTs are professionals with postgraduate qualifications in music therapy. They use music therapy techniques to support young people’s mental health.

Music therapy provides engaging and motivating techniques to improve mental health. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of students and build on their areas of interest.

Music therapy allows students with mental illness to better connect to themselves, others, community and culture. These connections through music therapy can improve mental health, social and educational outcomes.

Intended outcomes

• Assist in regulating student emotions
• Build emotional literacy
• Sustain positive relationships with others
• Develop interest and motivation
• Develop positive coping resources and strategies
• Explore sense of self and identity.

Program details

Implementation considerations

• Target population: Students of any age that may benefit. 
• Program adaptability: Music therapy is an individually tailored mental health service. The program is developed by an RMT based on local need and context. RMTs will work with students and their key in-school supports (e.g. learning support staff) to improve mental health and wellbeing and improve engagement in the student’s school and learning environments.
• Staffing: Not applicable
• Training requirements: Not applicable
• Australian experience: Music therapists are trained and regulated in Australia.
• Factors to consider: Requires a private space that allows for music making.

Cost

Item cost

$201-$2000

Detailed cost

AMTA is the registration body for Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) across Australia. Individual RMTs can be contacted by schools for program costings specific to their school and student needs (see website link in contacts).

RMTs may design a pricing package with a school based on number of participants or sessional costs. Costs will depend on:

• frequency
• content
• individual/group delivery
• preparation expectations
• provision of materials/instruments, and
• the nature of engagement/employment.

Schools may work with RMTs on a salaried basis (e.g., 0.2FTE AHP1 Grade 2, from $16,672 p.a.) or on a sessional basis (ranging from $75-$220/hour).