Virtual Music Therapy Session Resources
- jessandersonmosaic
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
Overview
Within the past 5 years, music therapy sessions have largely moved to an online setting as opposed to a traditional in-person setting. The COVID-19 Pandemic resulted in clinicians needing to find a way to meet with clients both safely and effectively, and online sessions largely solved that issue. MT's all over the world have been utilizing, Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, and other platforms to see their clients, and therapists are continuing to do so even now.
Meeting clients virtually allows for families to receive services when transportation is unavailable, if someone else within the home is sick, if the weather is bad, or when any other life circumstances may get in the way. They are a fun, easily accessible way for families to enjoy music therapy.
Websites/Apps
There are TONS of ways that a music therapist can facilitate a virtual session and still work towards therapeutic goals. Most video chat apps have new settings that improve audio quality of instruments and get rid of latency issues, so the client and therapist can still make live music together over the internet. Listed below are a few of our favorite online resources that we use at Mosaic.
Chrome Music Lab
Chrome Music Lab is a website that is sponsored through Google that provides multiple music "minigames." All of them are rooted in music making! There are certain games that allow you to play instruments, create melodies, draw beautiful pictures that sing back to you, and more. Not only are these games musical, but they are also very bright and colorful, making them a great option for anyone seeking high sensory input. These games can promote creativity, self expression, can help to work on collaboration between the client and therapist, and can also educate client on music theory. They are all very fun, and can be enjoyed by clients of all ages.
Soundtrap
Soundtrap is a music production website, very similar to Garageband. This website, however, is much more accessible. It does not require an Apple device to run, and it is (mostly) free. Certain audio files require a subscription, yet most of the music making features are free. Clients can create their own songs/beats completely from scratch, and may choose to record themselves or pick pre-recorded sound files. Soundtrap also promotes creativity in clients through music composition and audio recording. There are endless possibilities!
Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Music streaming apps are massive right now. One thing we love doing in our sessions is creating a client specific playlist. The playlist may have a theme, such as a certain emotion or a time of year. This can allow clients to express themselves through song sharing, and also helps to organize a list of songs that may be used within the session. Not only this, but many clients have access to music streaming services outside of therapy, so they can listen to their playlists on their own time as they please.
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