MARITIME CONSERVATORY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Centre for Music Therapy

Formerly Heartsparks Music Therapy

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

 

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 Programs Offered

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.

 
Spring 2023 Group Offerings
 

Seniors in Song

‘Seniors in Song’ is a welcoming group that encourages singing and connecting with others. It is a unique social and musical experience, different from choral settings, that focuses on the process of music-making and how it makes us feel, rather than the product that we create. We sing to bring joy, we make music to connect, and we make friendships to last! Join us in song and socialize with others through meaningful music-making. No musical experience necessary!

Facilitator: Paige Morrissey, MTA

Location: Maritime Conservatory 

Wednesdays, 10:00am – 11:30am

March 8th – April 26th, 2023 (8 sessions)

Cost: $80 (this group is partially funded by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia)

Maximum of 10 participants

To register call 902.423.6995 or email admin@maritimeconservatory.com.


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

Mondays, 4:00pm – 4:45pm

April 24th – June 19th, 2023 (8 sessions)

Cost: $200

Maximum of 4 participants (group needs 3 registered to run)
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.

Join Our Waitlist

Please complete the following form to be added to our waitlist

Faculty + Therapists

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.