Packing the Music Therapy Bag.
Preparation is Key
By Christie Cula-Reid
Ever wondered what a music therapist takes to a session?
At our workplace, you might find a music therapist packing a guitar, guitar stand,
books, puppets, percussion instruments, scarves, ribbons, a parachute, visual
resources, pictures for music-making… and quite possibly a few things that don’t
seem to have an obvious purpose until the session begins!
We’ve been having some fun filming our music therapists packing their bags and
giving a glimpse into what happens behind the scenes. But there is more to packing
a music therapy bag than simply deciding what to take. Preparation is key.
Before heading out, our music therapists are thinking about the people they are
going to see. What might support their participation? What songs or musical
experiences might be meaningful? What resources could encourage communication,
movement, creativity or connection? And what might be useful if the session takes
an unexpected turn?
The guitar might be packed for familiar songs, song writing or improvisation. Puppets
can bring stories and play to life. Scarves and ribbons can turn music into
movement, while percussion instruments can invite rhythm, choice and participation.
A parachute can transform a group activity, and visual resources can provide
another way for people to engage with music. A music therapy bag can sometimes
look like a travelling treasure chest.
And sometimes, the most important thing in the bag is choice.
Music therapy sessions are responsive, so preparation doesn’t mean having every
minute planned. It means arriving with enough resources, ideas and musical
possibilities to adapt to the person or group in front of you.
So, while our packing videos might look like a simple peek inside a music therapy
bag, they show something much bigger: the thought, creativity and preparation that
happens before the music even begins.
Because sometimes, a music therapy bag isn’t just a bag. It’s a whole session of
possibilities.
References
1. Australian Music Therapy Association. (2025). Professional Standards for
Music Therapy. Australian Music Therapy Association.
2. Australian Music Therapy Association. (2025). Code of Professional Conduct
for Music Therapists. Australian Music Therapy Association.
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