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Formerly Heartsparks Music Therapy
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 create healthier and more joyful lives through 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 MCPA Music Therapy Program will serve individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and developmental disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, 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:
One on one sessions involve a variety of music experiences tailored to the participants unique interests, strengths and needs.
A variety of themed groups will be offered onsite at the MCPA beginning in Fall 2022.
(Stay tuned for details)
If your community organization, school, or facility is interested in creating a group that could benefit from music therapy, our music therapists can host your group onsite at the MCPA or come to your location.
Adapted lessons are a combination of fundamental music learning and therapeutic based goals. Lessons are tailored to the strengths, learning style, and unique needs of the individual. Adaptations can include specialized music notation, modified instrument tunings, physical adaptation of instruments, use of client preferred music, and attention to the sensory environment of the lesson space. Our music therapy faculty are able to provide adapted lessons in piano, guitar, ukulele, voice and flute.
The MCPA has hired Certified Music Therapist, Anna Plaskett, as our new Music Therapy Department Head. Anna brings 18 years of experience working in the field of music therapy, both as a practitioner, music therapy internship supervisor, and business owner of Heartsparks Music Therapy.
Stay tuned for a complete list of our music therapy faculty joining us from Heartsparks Music Therapy.
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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.