What is Virtual Music Therapy?
In order to continue providing music therapy services to our community during the physical distancing measures put in place in response COVID-19, Roman Music Therapy Services is offering music therapy services delivered in real-time and online using HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms.
What can I expect in a live virtual music therapy session?
We are providing creative and collaborative work with clients virtually in a similar way we do in-person; by making music through instrument play, singing, song-writing, music listening, participating in movement, etc. So definitely expect to continue making music with us!
However, some things may be different. We are encouraging our clients and families to get creative in finding items at home to use as instruments such as dried beans in a container for shakers, upside-down Tupperware for drums, or make your own and add personal decorations! We also encourage the participation of families, caregivers, and/or staff! Not only does this provide the opportunity to engage in a fun experience together, you all can assist in helping individuals access the virtual session by prompting, re-directing, modeling, or hand-over-hand assistance.
For virtual group services, we will ask participants to use the “mute” button while the group engages in activities, but this does NOT mean we don’t want your input! We will provide moments for clients to make choices, communicate preferences, and play or sing solos by un-muting participants throughout the session, or by using the group chat.
Who can participate in Virtual Music Therapy sessions?
We are currently providing beneficial virtual music therapy services to individuals across the lifespan, from infants and toddlers to older adults and everyone in-between!
Which online platforms can I use to access a Virtual Music Therapy session?
Our organization is doing most of our virtual sessions using HIPAA-compliant Zoom.
How do you use Zoom and what is a Meeting ID?
Please refer to our Zoom tutorial video on our Virtual Music Therapy page for more information on how to access a Zoom meeting using a Meeting ID or link, and a tutorial on how to use Zoom within your session.
What kind of device can I use to access a Virtual Music Therapy session?
You can access a Virtual Music Therapy session on any device that can connect to the internet. This includes computers, tablets, phones, Facebook Portals, or Smart TV’s. Some of our clients have found it useful to stream or cast their session onto the TV using a Chrome Stick or similar device, in order to have a larger screen to view the session on.
Where should I set up for a Virtual Music Therapy session at home?
Find a quiet place that you can be comfortable, easily see your screen for the session, and have a good internet signal. If you’re up for movement, make sure there’s some space for this as well!
Some parents have also been creative and set up two cameras with two devices logging in. One can be in front of the client and another to place further away with a full view of the room so that if the client moves or hides the camera, the music therapist still has a full view of what’s going on. We are all getting very creative!
How long is a Virtual Music Therapy session?
Most of our sessions are 45 minutes in length. However, we are flexible to find what works for our clients, and have made adjustments for those who need a shorter session time.
How often do Virtual Music Therapy sessions happen?
Many of our clients have maintained the same weekly or bi-weekly schedule. But we have also worked with families to add additional sessions because music therapy has been so successful for our clients during this time of physical distancing. We are currently scheduling bi-weekly, weekly or more frequent visits. Many of our Community and DDS Partner Agencies have also requested Virtual Music Therapy events which we are happy to accommodate.
What if I can't make a live virtual session work, but would still like to receive music therapy services?
Please reach out to your current music therapist, or for new inquiries, fill out our contact us form. We are currently providing services to our communities through personalized recorded sessions, videos, and sharing other curated music resources online to provide support during this time.
Why do I need to fill out a consent form and where can I find it?
The consent form addresses some important information regarding Roman Music Therapy’s efforts to maintain confidentiality while utilizing online platforms, as well as bringing awareness of the potential risks that come with using this technology. You can fill out a consent form here.
How many people can participate in a Virtual Music Therapy session?
It depends on what you’re looking for! The number of individuals participating in sessions varies from group to group, depending on the needs of individuals. While smaller groups allow for more personalized, and interactive experiences, large groups can bring together many individuals in the community for a more universal music experience. For individual services, you could also invite in additional family members to make it a social visit as well during this time of physical distancing.
What will happen if the security of the virtual session is compromised?
We are continuing to stay up-to-date and follow best practices around virtual sessions, however, if the security of a virtual session seems to be compromised, your Music Therapist will end the session immediately, and reach out to follow up on the situation.
Why do I have to mute myself in a group virtual session?
In order to allow each group member to have the best sound quality and experience within the music therapy session, we ask participants to mute themselves, to prevent other sounds or noises from competing with the music therapist facilitating the session. You won’t be on mute forever though! We will un-mute at the times during the session for feedback, song requests, and celebrations as well!
What if I don't have instruments at home?
Not to worry! Many of our clients have come up with some very creative home-made instruments that we have loved seeing, and work great! A shaker could be a jar or plastic water bottle filled with dried beans or rice. A drum could be an upside-down Tupperware container or cardboard box played with a wooden spoon. There are many great online resources for making home-made instruments as well that could be a fun activity to do on a rainy day!
How will I be able to participate in live music with the virtual delay?
Although it is more difficult to coordinate making live music with a delay in the sound, your music therapist will be aware of this delay and can make accommodations for this within the session. Clients can participate with the sound that they hear coming through their end of the call, while the Music Therapist can expect the clients’ playing or singing to be slightly behind their own. It’s not perfect, but we’re making it work!
Who should I contact for cancellations or re-scheduling sessions?
Please reach out to your music therapist or contact our office if you need to cancel or re-schedule a session. Please use email if reaching out after 6pm or before 8am. If a cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before your scheduled session, your music therapist will do their best to re-schedule with you within the same week. However, if another session cannot be scheduled in the same week, you will be charged for the missed session without a make-up.
Can my Music Therapist send a reminder for our virtual session?
Our music therapists are doing their best to send reminders for scheduled sessions, as we understand there are a lot of changes happening for everyone at the moment that make it easy for days and times to get mixed up. If you have a preference of a day-before reminder or a day-of reminder, please communicate that to your music therapist.
Do you have any questions not addressed here?
If so, please reach out to your Music Therapist or get in touch with someone in our administrative team. Inquiries can be submitted at info@romanmusictherapy.com.
Still have more questions? Please email us at info@romanmusictherapy.com.