Heart String Melodies has been helping people of all ages by providing music therapy and therapeutic music lessons since 2014. Started by Amy Foley, MMT, MT-BC, Heart String provides services in Northwest Ohio with offices in Toledo and Findlay.
Music therapy provides an opportunity to address an individual’s socialization, motor development, communication and sensory needs. Music therapists are board certified medical professionals, similar to physical and occupational therapists.
“Over our ten years in business, I have seen an increase in the awareness and understanding of the benefits of music therapy,” Foley explains, adding, “Participants and local community agencies generally have a better idea what music therapy is than they did ten years ago.”
Why music therapy?
Music engages both hemispheres of the brain which can help improve cognitive functions and assist with the development of language skills. According to the American Musical Therapy Association, music therapy enhances auditory processing, increases emotional regulation and teaches coping skills. Establishing rhythm with songs can help with memory recall and teach children basic knowledge such as colors, body parts, counting and shapes.
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Music is typically a non-threatening approach that most kids enjoy and easily connect with. Being a part of music therapy is a natural way for children to move and dance, engaging all of their senses and motor skills. Part of music therapy may include basic sign language which can improve the quality of life for a child and their family as it creates another avenue for communication.
“Music is a powerful medium as it is processed in multiple areas of the brain at once, allowing for quicker connections to be established,” Foley said. “In addition, music is often extremely motivating and rewarding to humans, allowing a participant to use their interest as a way to progress in other life goals.”
While music therapy and therapeutic music lessons may look similar, Foley said there is a difference, “Music therapy is typically focused on using music to enhance wellness or certain goal areas. Our therapeutic music lessons have an emphasis on learning an instrument, utilizing the support of the board-certified music therapist to adapt the instructional methods to the individual. In both services, instruments may be utilized such as guitar, piano, voice and percussion instruments. Music therapy may expand further with types of experiences including songwriting, movement, lyric analysis and using music as a tool for health.”
How to connect with the music?
Referrals to Heart String Melodies come from parents, teachers, physicians, caregivers and others. After a referral is made an initial, free consultation will take place to discuss services available and to answer relevant questions. Depending on the need, services can be provided at a Heart String Center, in-home or on-line. Heart String Melodies also offers contract services to bring their therapies outside of their Center to places such as schools, adult day centers, veteran’s organizations or hospice agencies.
Insurance coverage for music therapy is considered on a case by case basis. Heart String Melodies assists families in working with their insurance companies to evaluate the coverage or to provide additional resources that may cover the cost of their services.
Contact Heart String Melodies at musictherapy@heartstringmelodies.com or 567-429-1909. Find them online and on Facebook heartstringmelodies.com.
