Over the last four years we have learned a lot about providing online music therapy—for individual and group sessions. It wasn’t easy at the beginning. How do you share a predominantly active, audibly focused therapy online and still see the necessary impact? The answer, like with anything, has been testing and practicing. However, we wanted to create something more than just a passable experience. Over the last few years, we have worked within our Harmony@Home environment, and through our online presentations and training, we have developed a whole new service. This service is not a substitute for in-person sessions but is designed specifically as an online service.
One memorable session involved Scout, our telepresence robot, which played a pivotal role in helping us explore what is possible. Scout helped one of our therapists connect with a young patient and her family through music therapy, even though we were unable to be in the Burns Unit. The joy and relief expressed in the feedback reminded us how technology can be a powerful ally in delivering therapeutic care when physical presence isn’t possible. Our CARE values—Connection, Access, Resourcefulness, and Excellence—are central to our online groups.
Addressing Accessibility Gaps
A survey by the Center for Health, Innovation, Music, and Education (CHIME) found that while 60% of people are interested in music therapy, only 5% have access to it in person. Online services are opening access, offering tailored group sessions that cater to diverse needs, from individuals with disabilities to seniors managing mental health challenges. One story that stands out is of an elderly couple living in a remote area with a care partner who wanted to help them find greater connection. They joined a small group with two other homes, each with a care partner, and discovered a community that became more than just a place to sing, tap, and reminisce. It became a place of connection.
Continuous Improvement
One early challenge we encountered was the inevitable time lag in sound transmission, even with the best internet connection, which made group singing or instrument playing less coordinated. Our solution, though counterintuitive, was to conduct sessions with participants’ microphones turned off while the therapist’s microphone remained on to facilitate the session. Participants mentioned that they could still engage visually with each other, and many enjoyed making music without worrying about how others might perceive their performance. Of course, this was just one approach—there are many moments during the 30- to 60-minute sessions where ‘mic on’ is valuable, such as when writing songs, discussing personal soundtracks, or sharing resources for using music for certain moods in the upcoming week.
Looking ahead, the future of online music therapy is bright with technological advancements. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) hold the potential to revolutionize therapy by creating immersive musical experiences. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could personalize sessions based on client data, enhancing treatment effectiveness. These innovations aim to expand access further, improve therapeutic outcomes, and integrate music therapy more seamlessly into evolving healthcare landscapes.
While the benefits are significant, online music therapy isn’t without its challenges. Limited internet access and device availability can hinder session quality. Therapists must navigate these obstacles while ensuring client privacy and data security. Replicating the nuanced interactions of in-person sessions requires creativity and adaptation. During one session, a therapist found herself guiding a group of teenagers through a virtual songwriting workshop. Despite some technical hiccups, the session culminated in a heartfelt performance that left everyone feeling more connected. Moments like these remind us that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with ingenuity and persistence.
The Future of Online Music Therapy
Beyond accessibility, online music therapy offers numerous advantages. It has proven effective in managing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, providing much-needed emotional support during uncertain times. By integrating video conferencing and innovative tools, therapists can maintain therapeutic relationships, adapt interventions to individual needs, and foster social connections even at a distance. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of online sessions makes therapy more affordable and sustainable for a broader demographic.
The rise of online music therapy underscores the adaptability and resilience of the profession. By embracing digital technologies, therapists have expanded access, improved patient outcomes, and navigated unprecedented challenges with creativity and determination. As technology continues to evolve, certified music therapists must remain proactive in adopting best practices and exploring new avenues for therapeutic innovation. Ultimately, online music therapy stands poised to continue transforming lives, offering hope and healing through the universal language of music.
Learn more about Harmony@Home here.
References:
- Bradt, J., Dileo, C., & Potvin, N. (2013). Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12.
- Hilliard, R. E. (2005). Music therapy in hospice and palliative care: a review of the empirical data. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2(2), 173-178.
- Magee, W. L., Clark, I., Tamplin, J., & Bradt, J. (2017). Music interventions for acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1.
- Gold, C., Solli, H. P., Krüger, V., & Lie, S. A. (2009). Dose-response relationship in music therapy for people with serious mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 29(3), 193-207.
- American Music Therapy Association (2020). Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health.
- Greenberg, D. M., Rentfrow, P. J., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Can music increase empathy? Interpreting musical experience through the empathizing–systemizing (E–S) theory: Implications for autism. Empirical Musicology Review, 10(1-2), 80-95.