Online Communities - Music Therapy Groups

Music Therapy Groups

For this tutorial task I will outline three different music therapy groups and associations as a source of online communities that offer a networking service for people participating and facilitating music therapy groups. In the field of occupational therapy, therapists may use and/ or recommend websites or online groups to individuals so as they can communicate and network with these services, online groups and forums to further aid individuals in their discharge process.

Music Therapy New Zealand, The Music Club and Music and Movement Association are three online communities which people can use as a network provider to gain information about music therapy groups and to share knowledge.

Music Therapy New Zealand:

The Music Therapy New Zealand site helps people to explore the world of music therapy. It contains information regarding why music therapy is important, particularly for children and what forms of techniques they cover. This information is important for individuals both seeking this form of intervention for their children but also for those who are interested in the topic at hand.

As part of this site there is a 'frequently asked questions' in which people can easily access information they want to know. This is applicable for both therapists and people interested in the topic. This section covers many valid points people interested in Music Therapy want to know and also there is the opportunity for people to contribute if they find necessary.

This form of online community is a closed group in which one has to apply and request to join but once this has been achieved access to all parts of the website is available and contributions can be made. However due to this process it does not allow people to receive answers to their questions directly. This page also is limited in its navigation properties. Some elements are not easy to access or to find out where the appropriate information is.


However this sight does have its advantages in that you can acquire details of therapists and other music groups through the site with out having to be a member, giving people that unattached obligation if they require it.

This community can be accessed here:
Music Therapy New Zealand

The Music Club


The Music Club is another online community focusing of music groups with children. This site communicates with people in a less professional manor, allowing people to 'come and go' from the site as they please. This site is aimed to educate parents and careers about how music can assist children with disabilities.


There is selected sections in this site that allows individuals to find and access geographical communities associated with this group. It also like the Music Therapy New Zealand community has a question and answer section in which parents can receive feedback about specific therapies relating to their child's condition.


This community is more applicable for parents and careers as well as therapists. The terminology is less jargon like and is more centred to its client base. There is also great detailed pictures that show the therapy in practice. This is helpful to those wanting to participate in the music therapy group.
Some ethical issues would have to be considered with these photos as although this site is considered public one would need to ensure the photos were published with creative commons so that other members of music group communities could use them to illustrate the work of the group.


This site can be accessed here:
The Music Club

Music and Movement Association


Music and Movement Association particularly focuses on music groups in the early childhood sector and the benefits music has on young minds for example, growth in learning development and developig non-verbal communication.


This site acts as a networking system for other music groups, as it allows these smaller local music groups to access resources and advertise their service through this site. This is seen as a positive to the site as it allows individuals to readily access resources they require to enhance their music group sessions and optimize the child's learning.


This site offers communication systems through the means of there online blog, which various people can access and contribute to.


The site is furthermore segregated into appropriate links so that people can access the appropriate area that corresponds to their needs such as 'parent forum' or 'advertisements'.


Music and Movement have some fantastic ideas for young children so they can learn through music and offer some great game ideas and resources free from charge.


In order to access this site one does not have to be a member however joining the site allows you to receive regular updates and information about the site and other similar services.


This site can be accessed here:
Music and Movement Association

These three sites demonstrate the idea of occupational enrichment and occupational engagement.
Occupational enrichment is defined as the "enhanced environmental resources to enable optimal participation in occupations" (Christiansen & Townsend, 2010, p.420). Music groups help to optimize a child's participation in music discipline and helps to develop their skills to contribute to this area.
Occupational Engagement is defined as "full participation in occupation for the purposes of doing what one needs and wants to do, being, becoming who one desires to be and belonging through shared occupations in communities" (Christiansen & Townsend, 2010, p.420). Music groups help to shape children's identities and allows them to become part of a community they enjoy and to interact in a common language known as music.
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Reference:

Christiansen , C, H., & Townsend, E, A. (2010). Introduction to occupation: The art and science of living. (2^nd. Ed.).Upper Saddler River, New Jersey: Pearson.