Music Therapy

Individual Music Therapy

Individual Music Therapy is a regular, one-on-one session with an Noro RMT, that combines music techniques with evidence-based therapeutic activities to achieve individual goals.

We have an exceptional record of helping clients with additional needs, including:

  • Physical and intellectual disabilities
  • Early Intervention
  • Mental health conditions
  • Speech and language disorders
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Emotional and behavioural difficulties
  • Dementia and ageing
  • Family relationship difficulties
  • Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation.
individual-music-therapy

Individual sessions create a strong connection and positive engagement between a client and their RMT, who use live music techniques to guide and improve communication, confidence and outcomes.

Individual Music Therapy sessions are highly interactive, and can include:

  • Singing
  • Playing instruments
  • Dance
  • Songwriting and recording
  • Performing and listening
  • Talking about music.

Noro Individual Music Therapy is available at all our clinics.

Supported Music Lessons

Supported Music Lessons are instrument lessons for clients with additional needs. Taught by experienced music tutors with enhanced teaching skills (and are very patient), students learn technical and theoretical skills on their chosen instrument and work towards performing, reading, notation, composing and/or improvising.

Aged care

Music Therapy and Aged Care

Living in an Aged Care facility can be an isolating and emotionally trying experience. The power of Music Therapy to promote interactivity, social inclusion and wellbeing can improve the quality of life for residents in care facilities.

We provide a range of programs for individuals and small-to-medium groups. We also offer larger community music groups with a general focus on participation and enjoyment. Residents enjoy a range of musical expression including:

  • Singing favourite songs
  • Learning new songs
  • Playing instruments
  • Dancing and exercising
  • Writing songs together.
Some groups enjoy a specific focus, like a choir or a ukulele band.

Our specialised aged care approach incorporates ongoing evaluation, documentation and consultation with residents and facility management to make sure our programmes continue to meet their needs.

Music Therapy and Dementia

Our favourite songs, especially those we sang over and over in our teens and 20s, stay with us. This enduring connection with familiar songs can unlock positive memories and enliven participants who often enjoy sharing these memories with others in the group. The power of music to bring joy to someone’s life even though they struggle to engage with those around them, is one of the great gifts to give.

School Programs

Primary School Programs

Music Therapy in schools promotes social inclusion and wellbeing, helping children recognise, understand, communicate, and manage their emotions. It also incorporates music and drama to help address any specific needs.

We offer programmes for individuals and small-to-medium groups in the school environment. Noro also provides whole-classroom programs focused on emotional management and expression. Students can express themselves via singing, dancing, writing songs, movement, playing instruments; to build confidence in their interactions with each other.

Our Music Therapy programs align with different Key Learning Areas in the curriculum including English, PDHPE, and Creative Arts.

Music Therapy and Mental Health in Primary Schools

Learning how to understand emotions, expressing these with classmates and adults, and regulating emotional responses are skills fundamental to a person’s well-being. Music Therapy research has identified that the most children find it easier to express emotions through music; creating a positive environment for social interaction that helps develop emotional intelligence.

School programs lead to an increase in confidence in the classroom, decreased anxiety levels in the group, and better understanding of how others express themselves.

“I notice when people who aren’t in my grade are sad or upset, I play with them to make them feel better. I wouldn’t have done this before MT classes.”

Aiden, STAGE 2 STUDENT

Noro Schools Programs

MEXA

MEXA stands for Managing EXpressing emotions and Anxiety. This program focuses on concepts of Resilience, Regulating and Levels of Emotion from 1 to 10. The twenty-week program features musical activities aimed at identifying, expressing and adjusting emotions.

Noro Pre-School Programs

MECpro

(Move, Explore, Create)

MECpro’s inclusive program is tailored for preschool children with additional needs. The program is optimised to support individuals with autism, behavioural difficulties, and other additional needs within a group setting. MECpro is unique in providing mentoring and guidance for early childhood professionals to impart musical and practical skills, ensuring that the benefits of music are evident long after the program has ended. Children benefit from their carers integrating music into their daily life at preschool. Social and communication skills are built and fostered through musical group interaction at a crucial time in the child’s social development.

“The students have started to identify the emotions of characters in the picture books by reading facial expression and other nonverbal communication. ”
Jacquie, STAGE 1 TEACHER