What is Music Therapy?
The American Musical Therapy Association defines music therapy as “the clinical and evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish individual goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program”. Simply put, music therapy is the use of music by a licensed health professional to achieve non-music goals.
Music therapists can work in a variety of settings:
– General and Pediatric Hospitals
– Community Mental Health Agencies
– Rehabilitation centers
– Day facilities and nursing homes
– Schools
Music therapists can help children:
– Learn classroom and social skills
– Gain self-confidence
– Improve expression of emotions
– Improve speech skills
– Alleviate stress and pain
Who Are Music Therapists?
Music therapists are trained healthcare professionals with knowledge in psychology, medicine, and music. Music therapists must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from one of the American Music Therapy Association’s (ATMA’s) 72 approved colleges and universities, including 1200 hours of clinical training. In Ohio, music therapists must also continue their education through a national credential (MT-BC), as well as a state licensure (LP-MT).
Music therapy works on so many levels – physically, socially, emotionally, & instinctually. And it’s not just for children with disabilities! Research results are very positive for music therapy opportunities for early learners such as increased attention span & increased abilities in pre-reading & pre-math. I was proud to offer this option to children in “my” Head Start program for over 20 years
- Carla Unkefer, Retired Head Start Director
Our Program
Wayne Center for the Arts will offer one-on-one sessions for children aged infant-8th grade.
| Session Type | Cost |
| Half Hour | $52 |
| One Hour | $100 |
| 2 half-hour assessment sessions | $110 |
Since we do not deal with insurance directly, WCA will provide proper documentation for the client’s parent or guardian to submit for insurance.
Our Process
1. Contact– To sign up for Music Therapy, email beth@wayneartscenter.org
2. Assessment- The music therapist will meet with the child individually 2 times to assess needs/concerns. After these assessments, the music therapist will determine whether music therapy is appropriate and will benefit the child.
3. Treatment plan– The music therapist will tailor their treatments to meet the specific strengths and needs of each client, as determined in the assessment. Baseline sessions follow which determine the child’s current level of functioning in the identified skill area(s).
4. Interventions– Music activities include, but are not limited to, singing, rhythm instruments/drums, movement, and songwriting. Parents/guardians will receive a more complete description of the music therapy process once their child is enrolled.
Our Therapists
Kathy Odenkirk is a nationally board-certified and state licensed music therapist and owner of Imagine the Possibilities Music Therapy and Piano Studio. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree, an Equivalency (Bachelor) Degree in Music Therapy, and a Master of Arts Degree in Music Therapy. Kathy has over 30 years experience working with children as a therapist as well as over 45 years of experience teaching piano. She created the preschool music program at Wayne Center for the Arts, an Outreach music program for Head Start (Wayne Center for the Arts), a Head Start music therapy program (Community Action Wayne/Medina), a music therapy program for a mother and child program (Community Action Wayne/Medina), and the music therapy program for the Early Head Start program (CommunityAction Wayne/Medina). Kathy has also supervised practicum music therapy students and interns and has given trainings for preschool teachers on the effectiveness of music therapy.
Alexis Kelbley (they/them) is a licensed and credentialed music therapist with a passion for performance, creativity, and music education. They have played clarinet for 13 years and have participated in a variety of ensembles since beginning their musical journey at age 10. Alexis graduated from the College of Wooster, where they performed with the Scot Symphonic Band, the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and the Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association Honors Band. They enjoy playing music from a wide range of composers and exploring many different styles and genres. Alexis has a passion for helping clients develop their skills and appreciation for music.
Sign Up:
To sign up for Music Therapy, email beth@wayneartscenter.org