Frequently asked questions

Music Therapy uses MUSIC as the primary tool to facilitate positive growth and change using a variety of methods aimed at targeting the clients specific goals. At Ballina Byron Music Therapy we have an enormous range of instruments, microphones, loop pedals and recording equipment, games, books and learning sensory tools available to our eclectic and diverse client base The studio is situated in Newrybar in the Byron Bay hinterland. Its an awesome space! Easy access and parking! Come and check it out!

Individuals from birth to the elderly with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and learning disabilities, mental health needs, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, medical issues, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labour. Music therapy services can also be provided to promote wellness, stress and pain management, and relaxation for the general population. **Ballina Byron Music Therapy provides sessions for children only.

Music therapists are trained to assess an individual’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and communication abilities through music. Sessions are then designed to meet the needs of individuals and groups. Music therapists also provide ongoing evaluations of client progress and are involved in interdisciplinary treatment planning.

Session content varies depending on the needs of the individual or group. Sessions may include improvising on instruments or through singing, listening to music, song writing, discussion of lyrics, developing musical skills through learning to play and perform on an instrument, and learning skills through music. Most importantly, sessions with Ballina Byron Music Therapy are FUN!

Music therapy may use music to address: social skills, motor skills, speech/language/communication, emotional identification and management, recreation/leisure skills, self-expression, creativity, cognitive skills. Music therapy groups may also focus on social interaction skills, turn taking, readiness skills, and conversational skills.

Absolutely! Music Therapy is a widely used therapy around the world. There are many evidence based studies conducted here in Australia and overseas proving the many benefits of Music therapy. see here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=music+therapy+

Whilst a music lesson primarily focuses on music skills and instrument learning, music therapy includes goals such as improving social skills,communication, speech development, self esteem, cognitive functioning, memory, self regulation, gross and fine motor skills development and executive functioning. Sessions are individually centred around the clients needs.

Music Therapy can be particularly motivating for children and adults on the autism spectrum. AS a registered proficient teacher and Music therapist with 25 years experience working with children and young adults, many on the autism spectrum, I use social skills programs and drama activities integrated into sessions with particular success. these sessions may be small group or individual.

At Ballina Byron Music therapy, I am taking on clients who have access to self managed or agency managed NDIS funding. If you do not have funding then please contact me to see if any arrangement can be made, however rates are the same. I am currently working with clients who live with various neuro diversity, vision impairment, trauma and down syndrome.

Music therapists are trained specifically at universities for a minimum of 4 years. I have a Bachelor of Music Education from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (4 year) and a post graduate in Music Therapy from the University of Technology (2 years). I have been working since 1992 in various schools and locations around the world.

Clients will be involved in interactive music-making with the therapist. This may include singing, movement and playing musical instruments. Sessions are 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the needs of each client. Please do not hesitate to ask the therapist about what is happening during the session, but we would appreciate it if this is done after the session ends rather than during the session.

In the Hinterland near Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lennox Head and Ballina.

Yes of course! If you are self managed or agency managed. Music therapy can be funded through the “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills” funding category. Supported music lessons can be funded through “Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation”

No, you do not need to have musical skills to participate in music therapy.

Notice of cancellation must be provided by the client/client’s representative by 6pm on the day before the scheduled service. Cancellations made after 6pm on the day before the service will incur a cancellation fee of 75% of the agreed price for the cancelled appointment. NDIS clients: within the period of each service booking, the NDIS will cover up to six hours’ worth of the total of cancelled appointments. Cancellations beyond these six hours covered by the NDIS, will need to be paid privately by the participant/participant’s representative.