Music Therapy

Text Box: Philosophy of the Music Therapy Program
The music therapy department of Orchard Manor is dedicated to a holistic approach in meeting the psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, physiological, sensorimotor, and spiritual needs of our clients in the context of a therapeutic relationship, using music to facilitate each individual's well-being.
In the Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded, music therapy is utilized in the context of a behavioral model to affect normalization and creative expression. The Skilled Nursing Facility operates within a medical model and music therapy is used to facilitate healing by addressing cognitive, psychosocial, communication, and physiological functions while promoting interpersonal, emotional, and spiritual expression.
Clinical techniques utilized include: song writing, song lyric analysis, instrument manipulation, group singing, music and movement, music reminiscence, iso-moodic principle, music-facilitated relaxation, improvisation, song lyric completion, and life reviews through music.
Orchard Manor's motto is "Adding Years to Life and Life to Years" and the music therapy department adheres to this motto by promoting independence for each individual within a musical environment so that this independence may transfer to daily living for each person. The purpose of music therapy lies not in the music application, but in the specific therapeutic need for each individual. Music must be used in a purposeful manner in order to meet a need or bring about a desired outcome for each individual. Orchard Manor has been a Clinical Training Site for Music Therapy since July 1999. Music Therapy has been a part of Orchard Manor's overall care for over twenty years. The program has grown steadily and was one of three facilities in the country to receive a grant for instruments in 1997 from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. Music Therapy is used to facilitate healing by addressing the holistic health dimensions of an individual using music as a tool to promote interpersonal, emotional, and spiritual expression and growth.
Lisa Swanson, MMT, MT-BC - is the Internship Director and Activity Manager at Orchard Manor. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy from the University of Minnesota and graduated from Temple University with a Master's degree in Music Therapy. Lisa has worked in long-term care for over twenty years and has expanded Orchard Manor's music therapy services to the community through a contract with the local hospital. Lisa works to expand awareness and access to music therapy throughout the community and abroad. She has additional training in various music therapy techniques. Nikki Bossenbroeck, MT-BC is the full-time Music Therapist on staff. She received her Bachelors degree in Music Therapy from UW-Oshkosh. She has extensive experience working with persons with special needs and has additional training in neurologic music therapy. FACT SHEET 6-month, full-time internship – beginning January and June each year Population: Geriatric and Developmentally Disabled Adults; Hospital contract with Cardiac Rehab group Stipend: No stipend available, but housing provided by community volunteers and lunch provided by Orchard Manor Monday – Friday Two board-certified music therapists on staff; opportunities to observe and co-lead sessions throughout internship. Caseload for interns divided between geriatric and DD populations – four 1:1’s and ten groups weekly; adequate time for session planning and practicing provided. Assessments, data collection, progress notes, evaluation of treatment, and discharge notes assigned for approx. 16 clients. Three special projects: an in-depth case study on a 1:1 client, an oral presentation, and a special project of the interns choice/interest. 1st month orientation period; 2nd month gradual progress toward leading groups/1:1’s; 3rd month begin responsibility for assigned case load; 4th month begin documentation of caseload. Professional development time each week gives interns the opportunity to experience different music therapy techniques, practice music skills, and learn music therapy interventions. Formal mid-term and final observations by music therapy staff give interns important feedback for skill development; informal observations throughout the internship offer opportunities to discuss and evaluate sessions. Flexibility within internship structure to provide additional learning opportunities based on skill deficits identified in internship agreement and/or special interest of the intern within the training and skill set of the music therapists on staff. Additional resources may be supplemented, i.e. visit to another setting, correspondence with professionals in the area of interest, journal articles and/or books available, etc. SKILL EXPECTATIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE INTERNS
MUSICAL SKILLS
Students must demonstrate strength with at least two accompanying instruments (piano, guitar, omnichord, autoharp, etc.) with the expectation to strengthen skills during internship. Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in tune and with accuracy. Students should have knowledge of general repertoire (such as folk songs, etc.) with the expectation to learn a wider repertoire of varied musical styles during internship.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Students must have the ability to articulate themselves effectively, in addition to articulating their strengths, needs, etc. Students must demonstrate a professional demeanor through a professional appearance, appropriate interaction with other professional staff, residents, and family members. Students should be able to articulate what music therapy is and how it is used with various populations Students must demonstrate an ability to accept constructive criticism/feedback. Students must have some time-management skills with the expectation to improve these skills during internship (e.g. documentation, deadlines, session length, preparation time for sessions, etc.). The student's resume should contain accurate information and have strong references THERAPEUTIC SKILLS Students must demonstrate an ability to prepare and initiate appropriate music therapy applications with a variety of populations with the intention of improving these skills during internship.

Music Therapy Intern

Orchard

For more information about Music Therapy at

Orchard Manor contact: Lisa Swanson, MMT, MT-BC

(608) 723-2113 Ext 127
e-mail: lswanson@co.grant.wi.gov