What a Typical Music Therapy Session Looks Like
Music therapy sessions can be offered in group settings or individual sessions, depending on the needs of the facility and residents.
Group Sessions
Group music therapy sessions are interactive and engaging. Residents participate in a variety of musical experiences designed to encourage connection and participation.
A typical group session may include:
Singing familiar songs from different eras
Playing simple percussion instruments
Musical games and rhythm activities
Movement to music or gentle exercise
Reminiscence and storytelling connected to songs
These sessions are designed so that residents of many ability levels can participate and experience success.
Individual Sessions
Individual music therapy sessions provide more personalized support and are often used for residents who may benefit from one-on-one attention.
These sessions may focus on:
Memory stimulation and reminiscence
Emotional support and self-expression
Relaxation and anxiety reduction
Support during palliative or hospice care
The music therapist carefully selects music based on the resident’s personal history, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
A Meaningful Addition to Senior Care
Music therapy brings a unique combination of clinical care and meaningful human connection. By using music intentionally, sessions help residents remain engaged, express themselves, and experience moments of joy and connection throughout the aging process.
Our Approach
We believe that every individual deserves a music therapy experience that is personalized, engaging, and meaningful. Each one-hour session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of our clients. We combine live music performed on acoustic guitar with carefully selected recorded music to create sessions that are both familiar and interactive.
To encourage participation and enjoyment, we incorporate a variety of percussion instruments such as shakers, maracas, and tambourines, along with opportunities for movement and active music-making throughout each session. We also provide large-print sing-along lyric sheets to ensure music is accessible and easy to follow.
We collaborate closely with family members and care staff to better understand each client’s background, strengths, interests, and therapeutic goals. Before every session, we thoughtfully plan activities and musical selections to create structure, purpose, and meaningful therapeutic experiences. Between songs, we facilitate reminiscence conversations that encourage connection, storytelling, and emotional expression.
Our repertoire spans many musical eras, from the 1920s through the 1960s, and we are continually expanding our song library to reflect the musical backgrounds and preferences of those we serve.
Above all, we place each client front and center, using music to foster joy, comfort, connection, and meaningful engagement.