We see it in our sessions ALL the time in music therapy. It is a client’s want and need to express themselves. For clients with limited verbal communication this can be super important as we find other ways to share experiences and interact with each other.

Music lets each student express themselves whether its by movement or playing. Everyone has a special and unique relationship to music.

*pictured is one of my students FAVORITE activities- Mr. Potato Head with a Humpty Dumpty twist. Spoiler alert- it doesn’t end well for Mr. Potato Head!! 🤣

Creativity in a music therapy session can come from both the therapist and the client. Here are some examples of what this looks like:

• Client has full liberty of exploring studio space and picking instruments to play
• Dancing and creative purposeful movement to a song
• Improvising an instrumental song between therapist and client to encourage communication
• Making up a story or song to teach a concept or social skill
• Playing along to a structured song
• Making vocal sounds to music
• Client independently requesting instrument or song

Each music therapy session has the possibility to allow space to be creative. Sometimes, being creative and flexible IS a goal to be worked on.

Whatever the case, allowing a child to be creative is an essential part of the human experience and like anything else needs to be nourished. Music facilitates this by providing both the space and positive feedback to continue creative exploration with the help of a music therapist.