What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the use of music, with a Registered Music Therapist, to work towards personal goals. It is always tailored to your needs, strengths and interests.
You don't need to be a musician: music is simply the tool.
Music is a language.
Sometimes words are difficult to find to express our emotions. Music therapy is a way to let things out without using our words. We don’t need to be professional musicians to express anger, sadness, happiness or frustration in music.
Music for the whole person
Wellbeing has many parts, and music can support each of them.
Mental and emotional wellbeing
Expressing feelings, managing stress, attention, memory and communication.
Physical wellbeing
Coordination, movement, fine and gross motor skills, and breathing.
Social and family wellbeing
Connection, turn-taking, working together, and relationships with family and community.
Spiritual wellbeing
Identity, meaning, culture and a sense of belonging, through songs and music that matter to you.
See it in action
Songwriting: a personal journey
In this video, Lee and Sophie perform a song they wrote together in music therapy and talk about what songwriting meant to them.
The drumming game
In this video, Hayden introduces a game he created during his music therapy sessions with Sophie.
Questions people ask
Who is music therapy for?
Anyone who'd like to use music for wellbeing, connection or self-expression, from children to adults. I have extensive experience in disability, autism and mental health. No musical experience needed.
How do online sessions work?
Sessions are by video call on Zoom, from your home. All you need is a device with a camera and a reliable internet connection.
Do I need to bring instruments?
No. Your voice, your body and everyday objects like pots, spoons or shakers work well. If you have an instrument you'd like to use, that's great too.
Can I join my child's session?
Yes, if it helps your child feel settled. Some children prefer to have the session to themselves. We'll decide together.
What happens in the first session?
We start with a free 15-minute call to see if music therapy is a good fit. In the first session, we talk about needs, interests and goals, and try some music together.
How often are sessions?
Music therapy works best regularly, usually weekly or fortnightly. We review your goals together along the way.
How long is a session?
Individual sessions are 30, 40, 50 or 60 minutes. Group sessions are 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What does a session involve?
Singing, playing, improvising, songwriting, moving, listening to music you love, or talking. You can also choose not to talk.