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MUSC 452

MUSC 452: Upper Field Studies I

Prerequisites: MUSC 166, MUSC 174, MUSC 186 & MUSC 303 and a grade of pass on the music therapy qualifying exam.  

Credit Hours: (1)

This practicum course will occur in a variety of settings both on and off campus to prepare students for clinical practice with a variety of clients using music therapy techniques. This will be met through directly-supervised clinical experiences and supervision from a professional music therapist. Students will be required to obtain a total of 25, on-site clinical hours each semester. Students will display greater independence with session planning and session implementation.

 

Detailed Description of Course Content

  • Assignment of clinical site and clients
  • Assessment, treatment, and evaluation of client need
  • Implementation of clinical music therapy sessions
  • Weekly supervision sessions with a professional music therapist
  • Termination of sessions with clients 

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Field experience, student development of materials

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The following professional competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association will be addressed in this course.

Emphasized:

  • Play and sing a basic repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular songs with and without printed music
  • Direct structured and improvisatory movement experiences
  • Move in a structured and/or improvisatory manner for expressive purposes
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of the dynamics and processes of a therapist-client relationship
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of accepted methods of major therapeutic approaches
  • Use oneself effectively in the therapist role in both individual and group therapy, e.g., appropriate self-disclosure, authenticity, empathy, etc. toward affecting desired therapeutic outcomes
  • Utilize the dynamics and processes of groups to achieve therapeutic goals
  • Existing music therapy methods, techniques, materials, and equipment with their appropriate applications
  • Principles and methods of music therapy assessment, treatment, evaluation, and termination for the populations specified in the Standards of Clinical Practice
  • The physiological aspects of the musical experience including, but not limited to, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and psychomotor responses
  • Philosophical, psychological, physiological, and sociological basis of music as therapy
  • Select and implement effective culturally-based methods for assessing the client’s strengths, needs, musical preferences, level of musical functioning, and development
  • Observe and record accurately the client's responses to assessment
  • Identify the client's functional and dysfunctional behaviors
  • Identify the client’s therapeutic needs through an analysis and interpretation of assessment data.
  • Communicate assessment findings and recommendations in written and verbal forms
  • Select or create music therapy experiences that meet the client's objectives
  • Formulate goals and objectives for individual and group therapy based upon assessment findings.
  • Identify the client's primary treatment needs in music therapy
  • Provide preliminary estimates of frequency and duration of treatment
  • Select and adapt music, musical instruments, and equipment consistent with the strengths and needs of the client
  • Formulate music therapy strategies for individuals and groups based upon the goals and objectives adopted
  • Create a physical environment (e.g., arrangement of space, furniture, equipment, and instruments that is conducive to therapy)
  • Plan and sequence music therapy sessions
  • Coordinate treatment plan with other professionals
  • Provide music therapy experiences that address assessed goals and objectives for populations specified in the Standards of Clinical Practice
  • Utilize therapeutic verbal skills in music therapy sessions
  • Provide feedback on, reflect, rephrase, and translate the client's communications.
  • Sequence and pace music experiences within a session according to the client's needs and situational factors
  • Conduct or facilitate group and individual music therapy
  • Review and revise treatment plan as needed
  • Write professional reports describing the client throughout all phases of the music therapy process in an accurate, concise, and objective manner
  • Document and revise the treatment plan and document changes to the treatment plan.
  • Express thoughts and personal feelings in a consistently constructive manner
  • Demonstrate critical self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
  • Perform administrative duties usually required of clinicians (e.g., scheduling therapy, programmatic budgeting, maintaining record files)

Mastered:

  • Sing in tune with a pleasing quality and adequate volume both with accompaniment and a cappella
  • Recognize the impact of one's own feelings, attitudes, and actions on the client and the therapy process
  • Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with clients and team members that are appropriate and conducive to therapy
  • Provide models for and communicate expectations of behavior to clients.
  • Assist the client in communicating more effectively
  • Demonstrate dependability: follow through with all tasks regarding education and professional training
  • Accept criticism/feedback with willingness and follow through in a productive manner.
  • Meet deadlines without prompting
  • Manage and maintain music therapy equipment and supplies

 Assessment Measures

Mid-term and final evaluations of student clinical work, and evaluation of all clinical paperwork which will include client assessments, literature review of music therapy evidence with assigned clients, weekly session plans and progress notes, and final clinical report
 

Other Course Information

 

Review and Approval

April, 2019