What is The Music Initiative? Find your answers here:
General Information
With which populations and ages can I use the activities in The Music Initiative?
There are no rules about the activities in The Music Initiative: Children with Special Needs. It was written with children ages 0-12 in mind. However, you can use any of these activities with kids of all ages, with or without diagnoses. Activities can be done in a group setting or one on one.
Why are the activities presented in The Music Initiative: Children with Special Needs not considered music therapy?
The activities in The Music Initiative: Children with Special Needs are based on the concepts of music therapy. They are known to be beneficial and effective in connecting with children. However, music therapy is much more than activities. Music therapists use specific, individualized interventions developed to meet the needs of their clients. Therapists employ in-depth skills in psychology, music, and music therapy, and are experienced in working toward specific goals within this population.
Consultation, Assessment, and Sessions
What is the difference between a consultation and an assessment?
A consultation is a discussion between a therapist and you to determine if your child could benefit from music therapy. Consultations can be done over the phone, or in person, to allow the therapist to speak with and observe your child in order to determine how to best use music therapy to work with your child. By contrast, an assessment is a specified process by which the therapist assesses your child’s current abilities across several domain areas (cognitive, language, motor, social) to determine needs, strengths, and preferences.
How much does a consultation cost?
A brief phone consultation with a Music Initiative therapist is FREE. If you decide to begin music therapy sessions your therapist will set up an assessment and subsequently schedule sessions based on your child’s availability.
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment fees range in price, but generally they are around $150 dollars for the assessment session, report, and follow up session explaining the report. For more specific information please contact The Music Initiative via our contact page.
How long does the assessment last?
Generally, an assessment can last for up to an hour and a half, including documentation. The therapist will spend time observing your child, creating rapport, and using music and other tools to assess their current abilities in several domains. An assessment report will be generated and explained to you during a follow up visit. This follow up visit is included in the overall assessment cost.
How do I set up a consultation or assessment with The Music Initiative? It’s easy! Contact us via our contact page on the website and let us know that you’d like to set up a music therapy consultation and/or assessment. We will respond to your request within 24 hours to set up a consultation.
Do I need to prepare anything or have music instruments available if I want to set up a consultation or assessment?
Not at all. The music therapist who does your consultation/assessment will bring all the necessary materials. If you do happen to have instruments available, however, let us know!
Does my insurance cover music therapy sessions?
Each state has different policies regarding using insurance to cover music therapy. For more specific information, click here.
Do you provide group sessions?
Group sessions are a definite possibility. Please contact The Music Initiative for more information.
Music Therapy
What is Music Therapy?
“[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." --AMTA, 2005
How do I find a music therapist in my area?
There are two ways to find a music therapist in your area. One, visit the American Music Therapy Association website at www.musictherapy.org and click on their link on the left side of the page to find listings of board certified music therapists near you. If you’d like a recommendation from The Music Initiative for a therapist in your area, send us a request via the contact page on our website and we’ll respond with recommendations. All therapists recommended by TMI are board certified and members in good standing with the American Music Therapy Association.
Do music therapists have specific qualifications they have to meet?
Yes, absolutely. Music therapists (MT) are required to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from an accredited university. Courses in psychology, anatomy, music, and music therapy are required, followed by a 1500 hour internship under the supervision of a board certified music therapist who has met the supervision criteria as set forth by the AMTA. Upon completion of the internship, potential MTs take a board certification exam, which is governed by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. All board-certified music therapists must complete 100 hours of continuing education units every 5 years in order to keep their certification current.
What do the credentials MT-BC stand for?
They stand for “Music Therapist-Board Certified.” They are an indication that the music therapist has completed the requisite training and taken the board certification exam to be certified therapist.
How do I get more information about becoming a music therapist? The American Music Therapy Association has all the information you need to find out how to become a board certified music therapist, including a list of accredited universities that offer a degree in music therapy. http://www.musictherapy.org/faq/#51
Product Formats
Which format should I use?
The Music Initiative: Children with Special Needs is available in several different formats to make it easier for you to download to your specific device. Most devices will accept .ePub and/or .mobi formats. Here's a breakdown for you:
| Amazon Kindle | .mobi, .azw |
| Barnes and Noble Nook | .epub |
| iPad | .epub |
Once you purchase your product you will immediately receive a link in your Music Initiative account. When you click on this link your purchase will begin downloading to your computer or iBooks library.
How do I transfer eBooks from my computer to my eReader (Nook, Kindle, tablet, etc.)?
Transferring eBooks to your reading device is quite easy. Click on this link by author Mike Wells (thanks, Mike!) for step by step directions:
How To Transfer Your eBook to Your Reading Device
ps are available to answer your questions 24/7/365.