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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 provide access to the healthy and joyful outcomes of a musical life.
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.
To register call 902.423.6995, email admin@maritimeconservatory.com or complete our online waitlist form here.
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.
Rock N Talk
Rock N Talk is a social communication group designed for children with social, speech, and/or language delays. This program is theme-based and uses instruments, visuals, songs, and movement to provide children the opportunity to practice social and communication skills in a structured group setting. This group is also beneficial for those who use augmented communication devices, such as Proloquo2go. This is a fun and interactive group for parents and children to enjoy together.
Facilitator: Rachel Webster, MTA, NMT
Ages: 3-6 years
Location: Maritime Conservatory, Room 14
Mondays, 3:00pm – 3:45pm and 4:00pm – 4:45pm
October 17- December 19, 2022 (10 sessions)
Cost: $250
Maximum of 4 participants per group (each group needs a minimum of 3 registered to run)
Movie Music on the Spectrum
An online group for autistic teens who love the music and songs from popular movies such as Frozen, Aladdin, The Lion King, Moana, Encanto and more. Movie songs and storylines express a range of emotions and explore many themes, such as the value of being different and inspiration to strive for your goals. Teens will meet weekly on Zoom providing opportunities for social connection, relaxation and emotional expression through the animated life of popular movie music and songs.
Facilitator: Antonia Pigot, MTA, NMT
Ages: 13-18
Location: Online via Zoom platform
Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:00pm
October 4 – December 6, 2022 (10 sessions)
Cost: $180
Maximum 10 participants (needs 5 participants to run)
Seniors in Song
Group Music Therapy for seniors living in the community. For those who have felt isolated, this is an opportunity to connect with others through meaningful music-making. No musical experience necessary! Dementia and/or other diagnoses can be accommodated.
Facilitator: Paige Morrissey, MTA
Location: Maritime Conservatory (room TBD)
Wednesdays, 10:00am – 11:30am
September 21st – December 7th (12 sessions)
Cost: Free (Supported by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia)
Maximum of 8 participants
To register call 902.423.6995 or email admin@maritimeconservatory.com.
Adaptive 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.
To register call 902.423.6995, email admin@maritimeconservatory.com or complete our online waitlist form here.
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.
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.