Music Therapy Interview 

An interview with a parent who works in social services and her 13 year old son who attends a therapeutic school where he participates in Music Therapy. He has been attending Music Therapy sessions for over 3 years weekly and looks forward to his sessions. He suffers from an extreme sensitivity to noise and has been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder as well as Autism. He states that “Music therapy gives me coping skills. I can process my emotions through it.”. His sessions are free-flow and include drumming with his therapist and playing guitar. He states at times he just plays loudly to drown out all the other sounds and his therapist guides him through it.  He finds the sessions aid him in building up a tolerance to sound sensitivity.  

Questions for him and his mother: 

How long have you participated in Music Therapy? 

Over three years at various schools. His sessions are written into his IEP so follow him wherever he attends school 

What does a session consist of?  

He stated that the sessions are free flow, He likes to play a variety of instruments and decides which based on the session for that day.  

What is the sequence? 

It is a self-directed program. His therapist allows him to control the flow of the sessions. Lately he has been doing song writing with his therapist which supports his verbal skills. 

How does MT help you?  

He states that MT helps with emotional release for him, whether it be banging loudly on a drum, or playing guitar. He likes to play along with his favorite group “King Crimson ”with the variety of instruments he has at home. 

How do the sessions help you with daily life? 

His mother stated that it “helps him get through the day” and keeps him from getting dysregulated. 

How do the sessions help you with school? 

The songwriting aids with language development.  

What is your favorite instrument? 

He plays many instruments – guitar, keyboards, drums, a Japanese handheld instrument called an Otamatone (kind of a like a portable synthesizer). He enjoys them all. 

Do you want to pursue Music as study? 

Maybe. He will be attending high school in the fall, so he is not sure yet. 

Does Music Therapy help your life in general? 

“I would miss it if I didn’t have it”