Sarah Wiemeyer, MA, MT-BC
Director of Clinical Services
Bio

Steven Wiemeyer
Business Director  

Contact Info:
Phone:
1-630-440-2324

Email:
swiemeyer@fullcircletherapies.org

Music Instruction

Full Circle Therapies can provide an assessment process for identifying levels of services for people with developmental disabilities interested in learning music. This assessment can be implemented within the mainstreamed music education environment or for private instruction. There are five levels that range from fully integrated music education/instruction to music education/instruction with music therapy consultation to music therapy services.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between music therapy and music education?

The fundamental difference between music therapy and music education is the intention of the use of music. In music education, the ultimate goal is to teach the student music. Learning other skills may be a secondary benefit. In music therapy, the goals are to use music and the elements of music to maintain and/or improve the life skills of the client, learning music may be a secondary benefit.

Does music therapy and adapted music education look the same?

While the techniques and interventions usually look very different, sometimes music therapy and music education may look similar. It again is important to understand the intent behind the techniques used. A technique used in teaching music by a music educator, may be a valuable intervention also used by a music therapist to work towards goals in other skill areas, such as attention span, fine motor coordination, etc.

Is music therapy or music education more valuable?

It depends on the needs and expectations of the individual. Involvement in music itself, whether it be for therapeutic or educational purposes, often allows individuals to develop themselves more deeply on varying levels. So the answer is; both are valuable for their purposes. Then the question should be; are the needs and expectations of the individual to learn music, or to learn other skills through music?

Can an individual benefit from both music therapy and music education?

There may be times when an individual may benefit from both music therapy and music education.