What We Do
Music therapy is a healthcare profession based in
dynamic music experiences
therapeutic relationships
a clinical understanding of neurological, physiological, emotional, and social function
Our Mission
To support people through music in being connected and expressed, and to make the joy of music and music-making available to all people regardless of age, ability, or musical background.
How Music Therapy Works
From birth through the end of life, our brains are designed to find music extremely appealing. From a newborn infant who relaxes when her parent sings a lullaby, a toddler who starts to bop as soon as the music comes on, a child learning their letters by singing the alphabet, teenagers bonding over a favorite band, an adult putting on a favorite album to unwind after a stressful day, or to motivate them through a workout, to an older adult singing a tune that reminds them of the good old days, or a person hearing a meaningful song as they transition out of this life. Music is woven into the fabric of our lives and relationships.
Research shows us that when our brains are stimulated by music a whole host of things happen! Areas all over the entire brain become activated, and feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin get a boost while stress hormones go down. When we make music or experience music with others, the hormones associated with social bonding become engaged.
Board-certified music therapists are uniquely trained to design enriching, personalized, and therapeutic music experiences to help clients and communities reach their wellness goals.
When we start working with a new client, we begin with an assessment period to get to know a person or group’s interests and strengths as well as areas for growth or change. After that our board-certified music therapists will facilitate engaging music experiences designed to leverage areas of strength and interest while targeting those areas people want to grow or change. Every session with every person is unique, but the kinds of experiences that might be incorporated into a session include singing favorite songs, movement to music, instrument playing, therapeutic listening, lyric discussion, interactive songwriting, and improvisation.
Contact us to learn how music therapy could benefit you, your loved one, or your community.