Incorporating GarageBand, Launchpad, and Other Music Creation Apps into Music Therapy Sessions
- georgiatayl
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
With the rise of music technology apps, music therapists have even more resources at their disposal. Today, I'll introduce 3 free, accessible and versatile apps that I frequently use in my sessions. I like to incorporate apps into music therapy sessions as it offers a more accessible and versatile approach to achieving therapeutic goals.
GarageBand offers a wide range of features including virtual instruments, loops, and recording capabilities. GarageBand is user-friendly and allows anyone to create music.
Launchpad allows users to create and remix music by triggering loops and samples with a grid of touchpads. The app is visually engaging and very intuitive, making it perfect for interactive music-making.
Adaptive Use Musical Instruments (AUMI) is an app designed specifically for disabled people. AUMI uses camera tracking and other adaptive technologies to enable users to play and create music through gestures and movements.
Music creation apps offer significant benefits for disabled people, making music therapy more inclusive and effective:
Accessibility: Apps like GarageBand and Launchpad are designed with user-friendly interfaces. AUMI takes accessibility a step further by using adaptive technologies to accommodate various physical and cognitive abilities.
Adaptability: These apps can be customized to fit the individual needs and abilities of each person.
Empowerment: These apps allow people to take control of their music-making process, fostering a sense of independence, empowerment and self-confidence.
Engagement: The interactive and multimedia nature of these apps can increase engagement, especially for clients who may find traditional instruments challenging to use. The visual and auditory feedback provided by these apps makes music therapy sessions more stimulating and enjoyable.
Inclusivity: These apps enable inclusive group sessions where people of varying abilities can participate together. This enhances social cohesion and provides opportunities for peer support and interaction.
Goals that music creation apps can address include:
Enhancing Emotional Expression and Regulation
Clients can create music that reflects their feelings, helping them to process and regulate emotions in a safe environment
Improving Motor Skills and Coordination
Using GarageBand and Launchpad involves tapping, swiping, and playing virtual instruments, which can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. AUMI's gesture-based interface can help develop motor skills in individuals with limited mobility.
Stimulating Creativity and Cognitive Skills
Creating music involves various cognitive functions. Composing, arranging, and experimenting with sounds and rhythms on these apps can enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. AUMI offers cognitive engagement through its unique interactive interface.
Encouraging Social Interaction and Communication
Many of these apps have collaborative features that allow for group projects where clients can create music together. AUMI can be used in group settings to facilitate interaction and communication among participants.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The immersive nature of music creation can be very calming. The rhythmic and repetitive elements of music can have a soothing effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
By utilising music creation apps, music therapists can provide more effective, accessible and engaging sessions and can provide a way for many clients to work on their identified goals with clear progress as well as be able to share their learning and progress with family and friends.
Georgia is a Registered Music Therapist and joined the Sounding Board team in 2021. A proficient vocalist and guitarist, she is passionate about facilitating personalized, empowering and collaborative music therapy experiences
Georgia has experience working in the community with disabled adults and children, in sub-acute adult neuro-rehabilitation, acute adult and paediatric hospitals, in pediatric oncology, and supporting adults with lived experiences of homelessness and people with complex mental health needs.
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