+What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the purposeful use of music within a therapeutic relationship (a safe and confidential space) to work towards health related goals. Curious about learning more? Check out our What is Music Therapy page!

+How is it different from verbal (talk) therapy?

Music Therapy is uniquely different in that the music is the main medium of communication and action in the session. By listening, creating, writing, and improvising, the music serves as a way to communicate thoughts and feelings that may be harder to express in words.

+How is music therapy different from music lessons?

The main difference is the goal you are working towards. Music therapy serves to work on goals outside of the music. Examples might be improving social skills, speech and communication, mental-health, or developing motor skills and movement. Music lessons, however, work on music-specific goals such as learning to play the piano or guitar, or learning to read music.

+What is the difference between regular and adapted music lessons?

Adapted lessons are music lessons that are adapted to people with additional or specific needs. Music therapists are trained to always accommodate a person's needs in a music setting and therefore well equipped to adapt lessons in various ways.

+Who can benefit from music therapy?

Music therapy can benefit many people with a wide variety of needs. Some examples include:

• Children with additional or complex needs
• Persons living with dementia
• Brain Injury Survivors
• People experiencing mental-ealth challenges or concerns (anxiety, depression, grief and loss)
• Acute and Chronic pain
• Military Members and Veterans
• Cancer patients and survivors

If you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from music therapy, send us a message!

+Do you need to know how to play an instrument to participate in music therapy?

Not at all! Your music therapist will guide you through a session by choosing instruments, exercises, and techniques that work with your strengths and abilities.

+Do I need to bring my own instruments or equipment?

No need to worry about that. Your music therapist will provide everything you need, including all cleaning and sanitizing equipment.

+Is there research to support music therapy?

Yes, there is a lot of research on music therapy and more being published every year! Many articles and journals exist, such as the Canadian Association of Music Therapists’ Journal. Voices: A World Forum is another great resource, presenting open-access (free!) music therapy articles and discussions.

+How much do sessions cost?

All of our pricing can be found on our Pricing page.

+Is music therapy reimbursable by my insurance company?

This depends on your insurance provider. Some companies do cover music therapy, specifically Neurologic Music Therapy sessions. However, we recommend checking with your health insurance provider to make sure!

+How can I become a certified music therapist?

In Canada, we currently have 6 educational programs in music therapy. To become a certified music therapist, you must attend a recognized program (one of the 6), where you complete course work and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practice. From start to finish, it can take anywhere between 1 to 4 years. The Canadian Association of Music Therapists has more information on how to become a certified music therapist (MTA) in Canada. Check out there website to learn more: Canadian Association of Music Therapists

+Where can I find out more about music therapy?

There are so many great resources out there to learn more about music therapy. Here are a few of our favourites:

Canadian Association for Music Therapists

Ryan Judd- the Youtube channel for music therapist, Ryan Judd, who posts clinical and education videos about music therapy.

Music Therapy Academy- an Canadian Instagram page dedicated #RaisingTheBarInHealthcare through Education, Mentorship, Research, and Community Engagement.

Canadian Music Therapy Fund-creating access to music therapy for Canadians who need it most.

Creative Arts Chapter- a great resource to learn more about the Creative Arts Therapies in general.