Debunking Common Myths About Music Therapy and NDIS Funding
Music therapy is a recognised, growing, evidence-based allied health profession that supports people of all ages and abilities to achieve meaningful therapeutic goals through music. Despite this, many myths and misconceptions persist including how – and if – music therapy is still funded under the NDIS.
At QLD Premium Allied Health (QPAH), we often hear the same questions and concerns from participants, families, industry peers and support agencies. Let’s explore some of the most common myths surrounding music therapy, and separate fact from fiction.
Debunking Music Therapy Myths
Myth 1: Music Therapy is Not an NDIS-Funded Support
Fact: Music therapy IS still funded under the NDIS.
Music therapy is recognised as a capacity-building support when ‘reasonable’, ‘necessary’ and ‘supporting a participant to work towards their NDIS goals’.
Some people erroneously think music therapy is a new or emerging support. In fact, decades of research and clinical practice underpin this established allied health profession. Music therapy has been formally recognised for decades. It is utilised worldwide across healthcare, disability, education, aged care and mental health settings. In Australia, the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. This highlights five decades of professional practice, research, advocacy and support for Australians of all ages and abilities.
Registered Music Therapists (RMT’s) work with participants across a range of goal areas including communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, motor skills, wellbeing, independence and community participation.
RMT’s are highly qualified allied health professionals. They hold specialised university qualifications – typically a postgraduate Master’s degree in Music Therapy. RMT’s have advanced knowledge of music, counselling, neuroscience, human development, disability, health and therapeutic practice. They tailor evidence-based interventions to each individual’s goals and needs. Unlike recreational music activities (such as piano lessons or sound healing), music therapy involves assessment, treatment planning, implementation and ongoing evaluation of outcomes by a qualified clinician.
Like any therapy support, funding decisions are based on an individual’s circumstances, goals and evidence provided to the NDIA.
Myth 2: If the Review Panel Doesn’t Approve Additional Hours, Participants Are Denied Access to Music Therapy Altogether
Fact: Not necessarily. This is one of the most common misunderstandings we encounter.
Participants or families sometimes request additional music therapy funding during a plan re-assessment. If they receive feedback that the requested hours have not been added to the plan, it can understandably feel discouraging. However, this does not automatically mean the NDIA has decided that music therapy cannot be accessed. Particularly for participants with a flexible Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget.
In some cases, the NDIA might view some music therapy goals as overlapping with other funded supports (such as speech pathology). For example, if communication is a key goal, the NDIA may determine funding already exists within the plan to address this with speech therapy.
Importantly, many participants often still have flexibility in how they use their available therapy funding. Using the previous example, the NDIA might fund ‘therapy supports’ to work towards communication goals without prescribing which specific therapy discipline must be used. In this instance, the participant may be able to allocate their therapy budget across both speech pathology and music therapy. This would depend on their goals and preferences, and the recommendations of their therapy team.
Every plan is different, so it is important to seek individual advice from your support coordinator, plan manager or therapy providers regarding your specific circumstances.
Myth 3: Any Allied Health Professional Can Recommend Music Therapy
Fact: Recommendations to the NDIA for music therapy need to come from an RMT. It is not enough to have another allied health professional make a recommendation.
Other allied health professionals can identify the benefits of music-based supports. However, formal recommendations supporting the clinical need for music therapy must be completed by an RMT.
RMT’s have specialised university qualifications and professional registration that allows them to assess, design and deliver evidence-based music therapy programs.
Their assessment demonstrates how music therapy specifically relates to a participant’s goals and support needs. This can provide important evidence when discussing music therapy within the NDIS framework.
Myth 4: If You Don’t Ask for It in Your Plan, You Can’t Access It…
Fact: Many participants can still access music therapy through their existing funding, even if that have not expressly requested it.
If you have a flexible Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget, you may already be able to access music therapy. This can be true, even if you didn’t specifically request music therapy during your planning meeting.
In many plans, the NDIA approves a flexible therapy budget, rather than listing every individual therapy discipline. Where funding is flexible, participants generally have choice and control over how they use those supports to meet their goals.
If music therapy aligns with your goals, you may be able to engage in sessions using your existing therapy funding.
This flexibility is one of the key strengths of the NDIS. It allows participants to choose the supports that work best for them.
Myth 5: Asking for Music Therapy Will Delay My Entire NDIS Plan
Fact: Requesting music therapy does not automatically delay your whole plan.
Many families worry that discussing music therapy, or providing reports supporting the need to access music therapy, will create significant delays in the plan review process.
In reality, music therapy is assessed alongside other information and submitted as part of the planning or re-assessment process. Simply requesting music therapy or obtaining a music therapy assessment does not automatically put your entire plan on hold.
As with any NDIS request, timeframes can vary based on individual circumstances and NDIA processes. There is no need to avoid asking questions about music therapy, seeking an assessment, including recommendations from an RMT or exploring this valuable support option.
Myth 6: Anyone Who is Musical Can Provide Music Therapy
Fact: Current NDIS guidance distinguishes music therapy from general music-based or recreational activities. In order to be classified as a therapeutic support, music therapy must be provided by an RMT who is professionally certified by AMTA. AMTA sets the requirements for RMT’s regarding qualifications, professional practice, ethics and continuing professional development.
This distinction is important. Being musical, teaching music or using music within another service does not in itself make that service ‘music therapy’. An RMT has specialist university training in the therapeutic use of music. They are qualified to assess a participant’s needs, develop an individualised treatment plan, deliver evidence-based interventions and evaluate outcomes against identified goals. This ensures the safe, professional delivery of NDIS-funded music therapy with a clear therapeutic purpose.
How Music Can Help
Music therapy is a highly adaptable support which we tailor to the unique strengths, interests and goals of each participant.
It can support people across the lifespan of all abilities with:
- Communication and language development
- Social connection and relationship building
- Emotional regulation
- Confidence and self-expression
- Motor skill development
- Attention and engagement
- Community participation
- Independence and wellbeing.
Music is inherently motivating and engaging. It provides unique opportunities for learning, connection and growth and can complement other therapy supports (e.g. speech or occupational therapy).
Music Therapy at QPAH
At QPAH, our RMT’s provide both individual and group music therapy services for clients of all ages and abilities.
We currently have immediate capacity for music therapy services at our Gold Coast and Townsville clinics. We also support participants throughout the Tweed Heads and Northern Rivers regions, and via telehealth from anywhere in Australia.
Whether you’re exploring music therapy for the first time or expanding the supports within your NDIS plan, our team is here to help you understand your options and determine if music therapy can meet your goals.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to find out how music therapy could support you or someone you care for, our team are happy to help. Contact QPAH on 07 5647 6120 or email [email protected] to discuss individual or group programs and current availability across our Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Townsville locations.