Enhancing health and wellbeing with music

How did you first become aware of music therapy?
The first music therapy practice I had was when I was much younger. I would sing to my uncle who was born with Down syndrome and didn’t communicate with words. Then, years later, working for the music retailer HMV, we sponsored a music therapy charity. A mum of a young child with Down syndrome visited one day and spoke about how powerful music therapy was in supporting connection, self-expression and engagement with others for her and her child. It was a game changer for me, switching career to become a music therapist. 

How does music therapy work?
It depends on what you’d like music therapy to achieve; to support emotional wellbeing; to develop communication and language skills; to improve finger dexterity and motor movement; to simply play music with others and develop musical skills to extend your social connections.

Is it because of this range of possibilities that you design very tailored programs?
Exactly. What does the individual want to achieve through their music therapy? And what instruments do they want to play?

What musical ability is needed?
None! We can start from scratch. We see disabled children and young adults who have NDIS funding, as well as people experiencing challenges with their mental health. We visit specialist schools and dementia facilities, providing individual and group programs. We also conduct research and we’re finding that people over 60, even those who’ve never played music, their memory, attention and wellbeing improves with creative play.

What instruments do you mainly use?
Guitars, electric and acoustic, pianos, drums – lots of different drums as rhythm is a huge part of supporting connection and regulation. Violins, xylophones, saxophones, trumpets, flutes. The list goes on!

Do you have a favourite part of the entire process?
While you have a plan for each session, whatever the person brings to the therapy space is where we’ll start from. That means having an improvisational mindset, being able to think on your feet. It can be a real joy to just ‘play’ and follow someone’s lead to then establish how the program will develop to support their wellbeing. 

Are there live performances on the horizon?
Yes!! We have a program for young adults with autism called ‘Colouring the Spectrum’ about to launch where they will be supported to exhibit their art and music. The program kicks off in July and participants will take part in 8 sessions with myself and Marisabel Gonzalez (Tawny’s November Cover Artist!) to create music and art highlighting their sense of self and aspirations for the future.

What are your long-term goals for Tuned in Music Therapy?
We want to make a difference, to individuals and our local community. We want to highlight the strengths and positives of disability, to bring programs and advocacy that support greater accessibility and inclusion across the Northern Beaches.