Special educational music therapy with persons who have severe / profound retardation

Abstract: Special Educational Music Therapy (SEMT) is an educational concept for music therapy with persons who have severe/profound retardation. SEMT is based on two major paradigms: (1) humanistic philosophy and (2) the principle of normalization. These two paradigms are combined with the methodological inventory of behavioral technology. The major educational goals are self-actualization and social integration. In SEMT, these goals were accomplished through (1) individual-centered strategies focusing on the clients and their behaviors, and (2) society-centered strategies focusing on cultural values, attitudes, and stereotypes. The SEMT program is conceptualized as a three phase model: phase 1 is the acceptance of the client and the establishment of a mutual relationship between music therapist and client, phase 2 includes assessment, procedures, and formative evaluation, and phase 3 is characterized by the appropriate termination of the therapist-client relationship. Participation, communication, and continuity are three principles which are considered essential during all phases. The educational medium of SEMT is "music in its broadest sense". This concept of music is SEMT specific. Music includes the following stimuli and responses (1) musical and non-musical sound, (2) movement, and (3) elements of music. Sound is broadly definedand includes all types of auditory phenomena as well as internally perceived stimuli and responses such as heart beats, vasoconstriction, and enzymatic processes. Elements of music, such as vibration, rhythm, repetition, or variation may be used isolated from the musical context and paired with other stimuli.

Keyword(s): Severe-mental-retardation, profound-mental-retardation, special-education, social-integration, self-actualization.

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