MARITIME CONSERVATORY OF PERFORMING ARTS
Centre for Music Therapy
Individual Music Therapy Sessions
Join us for Individual Sessions!
Group Music Therapy
Join us for Group Music Therapy!
Group Offerings
Seniors in Song
Sing Together
Strum Together
Strum Together
Adaptive Music Lessons
Join us for Adaptive Lessons!
Our Mission
We believe in the transformative power of music and that through our love of music, combined with therapeutic training and creativity, we are able to make a positive difference in the mental, physical and spiritual health of individuals, families and communities. We regard each human being as unique; thus, our approach to each person will be tailored to their strengths and needs. Our goal is to provide access to the healthy and joyful outcomes of a musical life.
What is music therapy?
Music Therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual domains.
– Canadian Association for Music Therapists
The Conservatory Music Therapy Program serves individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities, autism, neurodivergence, brain injury, neurological disorders, mental health challenges, dementia and more. Individuals can be at any level of physical and cognitive functioning to participate in music therapy. Music therapy is concerned with the process of music making rather than the product and sessions are always designed to meet the individual needs of each person.
Music therapists are passionate musicians, therapists, collaborators, educators, and more. A music therapist completes a baccalaureate, certification, and/or graduate program in music therapy, which includes studies in music, psychology, biology, and therapeutic practice. This is followed by a 1000-hour supervised internship. Once the internship is completed, the music therapist must write the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam to achieve Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) status with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) and maintain continuing education credits every five years.
Music therapists use a variety of receptive and active interventions in their practice to foster positive change. Some common music therapy techniques include:
- Singing and instrument playing
- Movement to music
- Improvisation
- Songwriting
- Song-lyric discussion
- Relaxation with music
Music Therapy goals may include:
- To improve self-esteem
- To promote self-expression
- To increase socialization
- To participate in a safe emotional release
- To participate in physical activity and motivate movement
- To enhance mood
- To create and maintain meaningful relationships
- To participate in positive and meaningful social interaction
- To promote relaxation (i.e. relieve pain, decrease agitation, and reduce anxiety)
- To stimulate reminiscence (in older adults)
- To improve mood, create a sense of enjoyment and enrich quality of life
Music Therapy Team
Experience the therapeutic benefits of music from our certified team, and live a joyful, more musical life.
From our hearts to yours, right here in Halifax.
Contact
Paige Ryerson – Director of Music Therapy
music.therapy@maritimeconservatory.com