FAQ | Tempo! Music Therapy Services

GENERAL FAQ's

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (From www.musictherapy.org)

Who is qualified to practice music therapy?

An MT-BC is qualified to practice music therapy. An MT-BC is a music therapist who has completed an approved college music therapy curricula, including a six-month internship and passed the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists who successfully complete the independently administered examination hold the music therapist-board certified credential (MT-BC). MT-BCs are required to complete additional continuing education coursework to keep their board certification credential.

What do music therapists do?

Music therapists use music and musical responses to assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills; and use a variety of research-based techniques, such as song writing, improvisation, receptive music listening, lyric discussion, music performance, learning through music, and music and imagery, to address individualized client needs and design therapy sessions for both individuals and groups. Music therapists also participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.

Do I have to have music ability to benefit from music therapy?

No. Many of our clients come to us who enjoy and are motivated by music, but prior musical experience or ability is not required to benefit from services.

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Anyone can potentially benefit from music therapy. Our therapists have worked with clients with autism, developmental delays, dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, as well as typically developing children and well adults.

How do I know if my child or myself could benefit from music therapy?

We offer consultations to determine if music therapy would be an appropriate intervention. Please fill out the form on our website if you are interested in a complimentary consultation.

Do you only work with children?

No. We offer services to people of all ages with varying abilities and diagnoses. We have worked with clients from one week old to 96 years old.

What is a consultation and what does it typically consist of?

A 30-minute music therapy consultation with a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) is the first step for new clients. A consultation is a basic look at a potential client’s strengths and areas for growth to determine the need for further evaluation and/or treatment. Potential goal areas and preliminary recommendations as to durations and frequency of services as well as service types (ie. individual therapy, group therapy) will be reported.

What is the duration of a standard session/lesson?

Standard individual sessions or lessons are either 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length. Please see specific group descriptions for group durations.

Is music therapy a reimbursable service?

Some insurance companies reimburse for music therapy services. We are considered out of network with many insurance companies and can call on benefits to see if your plan may cover services. In Pennsylvania we are an approved provider for the Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (MH/IDD) waivers. In New Jersey we are an approved provider through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for ages 21+.

Is music therapy a related service on the IEP?

Music therapy may be provided by the public schools either by decision of the IEP team (as a related service) or by decision of the school district (as educational enrichment). (LINK= school services in descriptions)

Do you offer home/offsite visits?

In rare cases, where the client’s music therapy is deemed highly medically necessary and there are extenuating circumstances, a home visit may be discussed. We do provide services in schools, nursing homes, and community centers.

What is the difference between music therapy and adapted music lessons?

There are times when a music therapy session and an adapted lesson might look similar, but the goal of each is very different.

A music therapy session is the clinical use of music interventions to meet the whole person where he/she is, and assist in moving toward greater health. A Board-Certified Music Therapist will facilitate musical opportunities for communication, expression, and appropriate social interaction, while challenging memory and cognition. While music proficiency is sometimes the outcome of music therapy, it is not the primary goal.
An adapted music lesson focuses on the progression of skills on one instrument, including music theory. An adapted lesson looks like any other music lesson but uses adaptations when necessary, such as larger notation or simplified sheet music. A trained music therapist knows when, and how, to add supports in the moment, to ensure successful progress.

What is the difference between music lessons and adapted music lessons?

An adapted music lesson focuses on the progression of skills on one instrument, including music theory. An adapted lesson looks like any other music lesson but uses supports when necessary, such as larger notation or simplified sheet music. A trained music therapist knows when, and how, to add these supports in the moment, to ensure successful progress.

Do you teach regular music lessons?

Yes. We offer lessons on a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, and guitar. Students have the opportunity to perform in our recitals twice per year.

I want my child to receive group therapy services, but what if the consultation suggests individual therapy first?

Working on expressive and receptive communication, social and emotional regulation, engagement and sustaining focused attention in a one-to-one setting can support the child’s development and readiness for group music therapy. Some children are better supported in an individual setting prior to, or in conjunction with, group music therapy. Recommendations are based on the child’s current overall developmental profile.

What types of goals are addressed? Or What can music therapy achieve?

Music therapy goals can include cognitive or academic goals, social-emotional goals, gross and fine motor skills, musical skills, and healthy leisure skills. The therapist is specially trained to use music as a structured container for client expression in the moment. Skills developed in sessions may generalize into a client’s everyday life.

What might happen during a typical session?

There is no typical session format. Sessions are tailored to optimally address each client’s individual needs, and therefore encompass a variety of music-based interventions to not only address these needs, but to also be motivating and rewarding for the client. Sessions may include active music making using various instruments, such as percussion, piano, and guitar, and may also use other music interventions like lyric discussion, music and imagery, or improvisation, among other techniques.

What kinds of instruments do music therapists use?

Common instruments used in sessions are guitar, piano, percussion, and voice, but a music therapist is versatile and readily able to adjust instruments in the moment dependent upon the therapeutic context. There is not one single instrument every music therapist needs to play in every session. Music therapists are accomplished musicians, having studied not only a primary instrument during their training, but also guitar, voice, and piano.

Is there research to support music therapy?

Yes. Music therapy research is published in respectable scholarly and professional journals such as the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, and the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy.

Can I volunteer with Tempo?

Yes. Volunteers are an essential part of Tempo’s programs, performing a wide range of services including helping at special events, assisting families, therapists and teachers, as well as visitors. If you want a rewarding volunteer experience, Tempo! has many opportunities available. For more information, please fill out the volunteer application form and email it to info@tempotherapy.com

Can I do a practicum or internship with Tempo?

Tempo! works with local universities in training pre-service music therapists, both in practicum (pre-internship) as well as internship. This experience is unique in that students may be working with several different therapists in the studio, local schools, and other community locations. Hours may vary depending on the day, and some evening or weekend work may be required. It is helpful for the students to have a reliable means of transportation, and to be flexible in adjusting to the various needs of clients.

MUSIC TOGETHER FAQ

What is Music Together®?

Music Together® is a music and movement approach to early childhood music development for infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten children and their parents, teachers, and other primary caregivers. It began as an educational project of the Center for Music and Young Children and is now being taught internationally. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.

What do you do in Music Together® class?

Music Together® classes are held each week for 45 minutes to experience songs, chants, movement activities, and instrumental play alongs. You’ll find instruments, drums, shakers, rhythm sticks, scarves, maracas, and more! Both adults and children sing, dance, play, and have fun!

What can I expect from class?

Music Together® is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. We believe that music ability is as much a basic life skill as walking and talking, and that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of their culture. Music Together® classes nurture the child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, chant, and play instruments in an informal setting that will enrich her musical environment and guide her towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment.

When does the next semester begin?

We hold four semesters per year. (See our calendars for exact dates):

Winter – (10 weeks) January through March

Spring – (10 weeks) April through June

No class Memorial Day Monday

Summer – (6 weeks) July through August

Fall – (10 weeks) September through December

No classes Thanksgiving week

When are your classes?

Classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings and each location schedule is different. View the calendars here.

What is the tuition?

Summer (6 weeks):

First child: $155

Second child (sibling): $130

Third child (sibling): Free

Fall, Winter, and Spring:
First child: $225
Second child (sibling): $175
Third child (sibling): Free

Children under 9 months as of the semester’s start date are free with a registered sibling.

There is a one time new family registration fee of $15.

What does my tuition include?

One 45 minute class per week each semester (10 weeks fall, winter, and spring, 6 weeks summer).
One professionally recorded CD and digital download of the semester’s songs.
A coordinating songbook of the semester’s songs.
Access to the Family Music Zone online portal.
New families receive the booklet Music and Your Child, a guide for parents and caregivers. (For new families only.)
New materials each session! (One set of materials per registered family.)

Why are your semesters 10 weeks?

Music Together’s materials are musically rich, exposing the children to music they would not typically hear in other environments in their life, giving them a more varied repertoire and musical language tools to work with. Class is designed not only for each week, but over the course of a semester. Our semester progress is about dosing, offering opportunities for scaffolded participation to be developmentally appropriate for both children and adults.

How should we use the Music Together Materials?

Play your CD at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Use the songbook to help you remember the songs or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at storytime instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.

New Music Together® parents receive our introductory DVD “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically”. During class your teacher will refer to topics and point out examples of things covered in the video. We are also happy to discuss your child’s individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning student and it has been months or years since you have read the Parent Guide or seen the new DVD, reread it or ask for a copy of the DVD today! You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child’s music development.

What are the upcoming collections?

The song collections are non sequential so you can join at any time. The name of the song collection does not indicate what instruments are used in the classroom. The classroom activities use a variety of instruments and props to provide a broad musical experience, each semester regardless of the name of the collection.

As a parent/caregiver, what is my role in class?

Enhance your child’s experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing. Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music-only environment while in class by not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.

Try not to give verbal directions. It can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as “Do what she is doing, hold your instrument this way” but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself! Wandering toddlers is fine, but if you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him from across the room. If necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. Of course watch out for your child’s safety, but mostly your job is to just relax, and have fun!

Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Both or either parent, grandparents or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time – no need to ask. Whole family music making in your home is extremely valuable to your child’s musical development, and attending class occasionally helps the other family members to join in at home.

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.

How many children are enrolled in each class?

Young children, birth through Kindergarten, participate at their own level in small classes of mixed ages. Class size is generally a maximum of 8 children. Each registered child is accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Occasionally, there might be an extra family or two making up a class.

Is my baby too young to be in a class with older children?

No. By providing your child with Music Together® classes when he’s very young, you will be ensuring him a life of musical enjoyment. Infant participation may seem passive at first, as they actively absorb what they are hearing, seeing and feeling. Parents will learn to recognize their infant’s musical responses and observe them reaching milestones as they develop. As a result a musical bond will develop between you and your child and you will be thrilled watching your child bounce and wiggle, coo and giggle to his favorite songs.

Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups under 5 years old?

In the 1980s, Music Together® pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes also provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older child, and the “big” children enjoy helping and sharing with the “little” ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as our 20 years experience in the field.

Music Together RHYTHM Kids® Class

Younger children are not developmentally ready for the structure of a Rhythm Kids class. This class is designed for children ages 4-8. While this can be a “drop-off” class, you (or another caregiver) should plan to attend the first and last class of the semester. You may attend any and all classes if you wish. However, due to the structure of the Rhythm Kids class, we cannot accommodate younger siblings (except for babies younger than eight months). You and any younger siblings are welcome and encouraged to join the last 10 minutes of every class.

I can’t sing! How can I be a good role model for my child?

Parents/Caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability, contribute greatly to the enrichment of the child’s musical experiences. Whatever the level of your technical skill, remember that the most important things you can model for your child are simply authentic pleasure, interest, and the desire to participate in music activities.

Can I preview a class?

Yes you can! You may preview any class during the semester. Visit our registration page to sign up information.

Do you have a sibling discount?

Yes! Each additional child’s tuition is discounted and babies 6 months and under at the start day of the semester are free with a registered sibling.

Are Gift Certificates available?

Yes! Gift certificates can be made out for any denomination and can be used for music classes or for something from our store.

When can I expect class confirmation?

Confirmation emails are sent out from our office by the end of the next business day. If the class has not met minimum enrollment, you will be notified of placement in your second choice.

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the semester, and are made at the discretion of the director, depending on class availability. Changes are not made after the third week of the semester.

What if I need to withdraw from class?

Families wishing to withdrawal from class must do so before the first day of the semester. Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited if the office is not informed of your withdrawal before the first day of the semester. If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please contact our office.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

We do not prorate for classes missed due to late registration. However, families do receive two makeup classes per semester.

Do you offer birthday parties?

Yes, we do! Please contact us for more information about Birthday parties.

How do I schedule a make-up?

Contact our office at (610) 344-7030 (PA), (973) 661-2060 (NJ), or info@tempotherapy.com

What happens after we complete a semester?

You can register again for the next semester on our website! Please remember that registration is first come, first served.

I lost my CD or songbook. Can I order another one?

If you lose your book, contact our office at (610) 344-7030 (PA), (973) 661-2060 (NJ), or info@tempotherapy.com and we’ll work with you to get a replacement.

How do I redeem my gift certificate?