Music Therapy - by Bitsey King Brunk & Betsey King Brunk (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Music is a unique path to communication and learning for children. Its effectiveness as a therapeutic and learning tool comes from its ability to provide two distinct frameworks for therapy and teaching. Music can create a consistent, stable, and predictable environment. Melody, harmony, and rhythm from a favorite song can provide familiar cues and bring comfort in an unfamiliar or stressful setting. Yet music can also be infinitely flexible: changing with the child from moment to moment, reflecting his or her behavior and emotions. Music therapy is the prescribed use of music to address non-musical goals in such areas as cognition, communication, and socialization. Music therapists are degree professionals who structure specific therapeutic plans in a variety of educational and health care settings, creating unique interventions for each individual. However, many of the principles of music therapy can be put to use by other therapists, teachers, and parents-even by people who do not consider themselves musical.

Review Quotes

"I Like how it helps with memorization of skills!"
Teacher

"Very upbeat and keeps you interested! Good ideas for classroom and therapy."
Teacher

About the Author

Betsey King, MMT, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist who began her practice more than twenty years ago. She has an undergraduate degree in violin performance from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and a masters degree in Music Therapy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She spent eight years as the music therapist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, and eight years working with children with special needs in both special education and in private practice. In 2000, she moved into university teaching and has trained music therapy students at Southern Methodist University and the University of Kansas. In 2006, she joined the faculty of Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Betsey speaks and leads workshops throughout the United States, and is the co-owner and co-author for Prelude Music Therapy Products.