Music Therapy

Sebastopol Primary School offers a weekly music therapy program to support student wellbeing, delivered by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).

Music therapy is a research-based allied health practice that uses music to support students’ social-emotional and wellbeing needs. RMTs use their clinical skills and musical expertise to create tailored, interactive music experiences that support students to build on their strengths while working towards individual goals.

Sessions may include:

· singing

· song writing

· play and sensory based activities

· playing instruments

· dance and movement

· music technology

· music listening and sharing

· creating and recording music

· therapeutic music lessons

Music therapy can support students to:

· regulate their emotions

· engage with others and develop positive relationships

· discover coping strategies and develop resilience

· increase emotional literacy

· develop self-confidence and self-esteem

· express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and contained space

· experience empowerment, choice, and control

· develop a greater sense of identity and self

· learn new skills

These benefits often carry into the classroom, improving engagement in learning and overall wellbeing.

Music therapy complements the school’s classroom music program and differs in its theoretical approach. While classroom music focuses on learning music specific skills, music therapy uses music as a tool to support wellbeing and personal development.