Shenandoah Conservatory’s music therapy program has quickly and effectively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. On an academic level, music therapy faculty shifted course curriculum and clinical training to embrace telehealth. Some of the program’s interns are at the leading edge of the telehealth transition with private practices completely altering their delivery model to provide teletherapy and additional resources for clients. In the classroom, music therapy students are learning about telehealth and assignments have shifted to include telehealth work.
On Wednesday, March 25, the music therapy program hosted a Zoom seminar with two classes — one undergraduate and one graduate level — to hear firsthand from Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Therapy Kerry Devlin ’17, M.M.T., (clinical training director) and Ritchie Young (music therapy intern) about the work they were doing in telehealth.
Music therapy has been identified as an essential service in most health care settings and music therapists are continuing to provide therapy during COVID-19. Music therapists are providing services to families at reduced cost/free. This includes materials parents can use at home; recordings of sessions families can use with the children; materials for the elderly who are socially isolated, and songs and other music that has a community or social impact.”
Anthony Meadows, Ph.D., MT-BC | Director of Music Therapy Studies
Music therapist Kevin Leong improvises on the guitar — sharing a quiet moment in an uncertain time:
Take a moment to relax this morning with this beautiful guitar piece by Kevin, our clinical director at A Place To Be. "This is dedicated it to the folks at Inova Children's Hospital ," Kevin said. "Sometimes, I find a song that is both therapeutic for the client, and me, and this is one of them. Though I can’t be with them now, because I am immunocompromised, I admire their ceaseless work to help those in need, 'Time After Time' again. "
Posted by A Place To Be on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Vocalist Shirin Al-Ansi ’20 (Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility) and guitarist Sam Christie ’20 (Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility) performed a song they wrote and produced for clients in their community (individuals with autism) to remind them of the importance of reaching out to others.
Though many of us may be self quarantining, it's important that we don't forget to focus on our own emotional health. Even if we can't see our loved ones in person, just picking up the phone can make all the difference! Our intern Brandon got together with Sam and Shirin (before social distancing!) to put together this original song and music video to spread that message!
Posted by A Place To Be on Friday, March 27, 2020
Ritchie Young ’20 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) created a fun resource for parents to use at home with their kids.
Musical Moments: FREE Music BINGO printable from AMT's Intern!
AMT's fabulous intern Ritchie Young shares a flexible resource we've been using in some of our live Telehealth sessions to promote learning and music engagement throughout the week! Great for:🎹 Adapted lesson practice challenges🎶 Music engagement (songs to sing, videos to watch)🎧 Music listening 💃 DANCING!Totally customizable for music therapists, private music teachers, music educators, and parents seeking meaningful music experiences for their children at home. Snag the board in the comments or email us at admin@annapolismusictherapy.com for your freebie!👇
Posted by Annapolis Music Therapy on Friday, March 20, 2020
Ray Leone ’86, ’17, (Bachelor of Music Therapy, Master of Music Therapy), MT-BC, provided music at INOVA Loudoun on Friday, March 27, during the COVID-19 outbreak.