Melodies of Healing: Unleashing the Power of Music Therapy

We're all familiar with how swiftly music can alter our mood, transport us back to distant memories, and compel us to sway to the rhythm. Music’s extraordinary ability to shift our energy is precisely why it serves as an incredible therapeutic tool. 

In fact, most of us incorporate elements of music therapy into our daily lives. If you listen to music to enhance focus, alleviate stress, or inspire impromptu dance sessions around the house, you’re already incorporating music therapy in your everyday routine.

At Holland Bloorview, music therapy goes beyond merely listening, singing, or playing instruments - it is a form of rehabilitative care that uses musical elements to build essential skills. Sometimes it involves speedy and dynamic movements, to improve range of motion or mobility, and other times it’s a multisensory experience, like a sound bath, that supports mental health.

Eunice Kang is a dedicated music therapist at Holland Bloorview. Her more than decade-long career has focused on providing clients with creative, joyful, and successful therapy. “We really use all the musical elements to help the different areas of development,” shared Eunice. 

The music department at Holland Bloorview is home to many adaptable and innovative devices that extend beyond traditional instruments, such as the drums or piano. Devices like the Soundbeam offer clients a multi-sensory journey through sound and touch. 

“For clients with physical needs, they can play the virtual musical instrument,” explains Eunice. “The client is able to trigger sounds using their shoulders, head, or eyes. We change the images and sounds, which helps them to develop cognitive recognition.” 

Music can serve as a therapeutic intervention as early as infancy. Even at a young age it helps with learning to recognize and articulate sounds. Later on, music gives kids the opportunity to gain crucial developmental psychosocial skills, such sharing, collaborating, and identifying emotions. And for children with autism, music is an immensely valuable tool for enhancing self-regulation and communication. 

As kids grow older, music can provide a sense of independence. Eunice remembers one client, who at first didn’t seem too interested in music, but then quickly found their groove and began playing the instruments. “It was quite amazing! This is someone who was never able to do daily tasks without help, so to see them play the instruments and express a happy feeling was really quite cool.”

As she looks forward to another summer filled with the Bloorview School Authority’s virtual music camp and time in the sun, Eunice shared a messaged on behalf of Holland Bloorview’s music therapists. “The supporters of the music therapy program make it all possible. We really want to extend our services and rid of all the financial barriers for clients. We hope music therapy can be accessible to kids, inpatient or outpatient, without any barriers.”

If you believe in the profound power of music, you can support the incredible work of therapists and the music program at Holland Bloorview today!