Music in Russia

Music Therapy

Using music to improve lives

The ability to express ourselves through music and sound is an innate capacity which does not depend on musical skills or verbal language.

Maria Radoje, Music Therapist

For both children and adults, music therapy can help in a variety of situations, including disability, serious illness, depression, bereavement, behavioural problems, communications disorders and autism. What is music therapy, how could it benefit my child, and how do I find out more?

We very much appreciate the therapy and since attending our sons have markedly increased their interaction. Last week our autistic son Jamie said Billy's name for the first time, and he keeps saying it appropriately. This has made a positive impact on all of our lives.

Mr & Mrs Adams

There are a variety of approaches to music therapy. Maria Radoje has been working with two brothers: Jamie, is three and autistic. His brother Billy is two. After they had attended therapy for five months, their parents, Mr & Mrs Adams, told Maria:

"For the first year of Billy's life, Jamie ignored him, in the second year he was hostile towards him. We very much appreciate the therapy and since attending, our sons have markedly increased their interaction. Last week our autistic son Jamie said Billy's name for the first time, and he keeps saying it appropriately. This has made a positive impact on all of our lives".

Maria says: "I use my clinical improvisation skills to support the child's music and there are a wide range of percussion instruments available that are easy for them to play. On a simple level, being heard, affirmed and acknowledged in their communications can really help a child to become more aware of themselves and others, and to want to communicate more.

"There are several approaches to music therapy (mine being psychodynamic) but if a parent is looking for a therapist, they should contact the APMT (Association of Professional Music Therapists) as only therapists who have