Music Therapy Department
Chair sponsored by Deborah Allinson
Music Therapy Department - Core Philosophy
Music is the great equalizer. It is available to every person, no matter the ability or age. It is a creative tool that can be manipulated to meet the needs of every individual. Music is engaging and motivating and encourages socialization, communication, and self-expression. In music therapy at SSC, it is not a matter of “can it be done?” it is simply a matter of “how will it be done?”
Music therapy is an established health profession that uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication needs of individuals of all ages. The inherent structure of music provides a safe and inviting environment in which individuals may explore, participate, or simply relax in. Music therapy interventions can be designed to improve communication, manage stress, reduce pain, express ideas and feelings, promote physical rehabilitation, enhance memory, and promote wellness. Through music therapy, abilities are strengthened and generalized to other areas of one’s life. For additional information contact Eve Montague at 781-749-7565, ext. 46.
Music Therapy Department Chair - Eve Montague
Music Therapy Chair Eve Montague, MT-BC received a degree in music education from the University of Western Ontario, and her music therapy equivalency from Western Michigan University. She is currently completing a Masters of Science in Management from Emmanuel College. Eve is a board certified music therapist with over 22 years in the profession. She has worked with both children and adults in educational and vocational settings implementing a diverse range of programs. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents who are challenged by neuromuscular, progressive diseases. She is skilled in instrument adaptation and modification, as well as adapted technology and access. Eve developed the Creative Arts Program at Massachusetts Hospital School, initiating partnerships with other disciplines and successfully developed a fully accessible performing arts program, as well as co-treatment groups with physical therapists, speech therapists, and adapted access specialist.
Eve is a member of the Arts Advisory Council with the Department of Education and is the secretary for the New England Region of the American Music Therapy Association. She is the Internship Committee representative for the New England Region and has supervised and trained music therapy interns for the past 10 years.
Eve, a soprano, is active in local theatre and is past president of Bay Players Theatre troupe. Eve has been singing with South Shore Conservatory’s Opera by the Bay since its inception in 2000. She is also a guest lecturer at Berklee College of Music.
Individual Music Therapy Sessions
A board certified music therapist assesses each individual, prior to the start of sessions, to determine best treatment and goals. Sessions will be individualized to meet the needs of the student, with typical individual therapy scheduled for 30 minutes.
$42/session
Music Therapy Department - Class Offerings
The Conservatory’s Music Therapy Department provides individual therapy sessions, small group therapy sessions and creative ensembles, and modified/adapted lessons in voice, piano, percussion, guitar, and other instruments. The music therapy department serves children through adults with special needs, including, but not limited to, those on the autism spectrum, those with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, physical challenges, and those with Alzheimer's. Goals can be established to work within the interdisciplinary framework of IEPs and ISPs. A board certified music therapist, prior to the start of sessions to determine best treatment and goals, assesses each individual.
Early Beginnings in Music Therapy
Eve Montague
For special needs children, ages three to five. Led by a Board Certified Music Therapist, this small group music therapy class is an opportunity for children, with a caregiver present, to socialize within a structured music setting. Children learn sharing play, taking turns, listening and responding to others. This music therapy session assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills. Music activities such as singing/vocalizing, movement, and instrument play are designed to be success oriented and enjoyable. Music provides multi-sensory stimulation, and along with the inherent organizing, rhythmic component of music, sensory-motor, perceptual-motor, and gross and fine motor skills can also be enhanced. 9 weeks
Additional classes may be established based on group need and space availability.
$200
| Hingham: Saturday, 11 - 11:30 am | Duxbury: Saturday, 9 - 9:30 am |
Group Music Therapy Sessions
It is important to note that groups can be developed throughout the year based on interest and need. Groups may include chorus, handbell choir, adapted band, adolescent group, leisure and relaxation group, access/technology group, and memory group. Bereavement and grief can also be worked through in music therapy. Please contact Music Therapy Department Chair Eve Montague at 781-749-7565,
ext. 46, or at e.montague@sscmusic.org to discuss interest and ideas.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 8, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 9, 2009.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.