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