Music Therapy Melbourne
Music therapy draws on the power of music and creativity to support children and adults experiencing physical, emotional, cognitive, or social challenges. At Tilegne Therapy, our music therapy team provides personalised telehealth, mobile and in-person Melbourne music therapy sessions designed to improve communication, pain management, and everyday quality of life. We can also provide Melbourne music therapy in Melbourne for NDIS and My Aged Care participants.
Call (03) 9067 6888 or contact us to book an appointment.
What is Music Therapy?
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines clinical music therapy as a research-based practice and profession in which music actively supports people in improving their health, functioning and wellbeing. Music therapy is different from music education and entertainment as it focuses on overall wellness and daily functioning.
A registered music therapist (RMT) is an allied health professional who is trained by a university and is registered with the AMTA. RMTs at Tilegne Therapy draw on clinical research to address social, psychological, emotional and physical needs within a therapeutic framework. They are committed to supporting people of any age and ability, regardless of musical skill, culture or background.
Our music therapist draws on clinical research and uses music-based interventions to address social, psychological, emotional and physical needs within a therapeutic framework. Our music therapist works on healthcare goals within a multidisciplinary professional team, including our occupational therapist Melbourne team on areas such as gross motor skills, hence it differs from musical entertainment or music education.
Music Therapy For Kids
Music therapy motivates kids of all ages and is an excellent intervention for managing autism, childhood depression, impulse control disorders, disability-related issues and attention-related disorders. Music stimulates sensory awareness in children. They learn to communicate, express, and understand through listening and playing music.
Some areas where children can benefit are:
- Early childhood (e.g. developmental delay, early autism intervention, ADHD)
- Disability support (physical and/or intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe)
- Schools (e.g. programs for students with disabilities or learning difficulties)
- Communication impairments, such as difficulty vocalising or verbalising
- Cognitive impairments, including issues with attention, memory, expression, self-regulation or behaviour
- Hospitals and cancer centres (e.g. working with children undergoing traumatic medical procedures)
- Community settings (e.g. groups delivered in any of the above settings)
Music Therapy For Kids with Disabilities
There is strong evidence that music therapy helps achieve positive outcomes for children with disabilities. Music therapy can help with mood and behaviour regulation, general mental health and well-being, and the development and improvement of attention, communication, and social skills. This very brief video from the Australian Music Therapy Association explains a bit about the role of music therapy for kids with disabilities.
DR GRACE THOMPSON (RMT)
This video explains how sensory integration, emotional regulation, enjoyment, and the training to become an RMT play into therapy for kids with disabilities.
Music Therapy For Adults
Adults who may suffer from poor mental health, depression, eating disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, other chronic illnesses (e.g. cancer, stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative disease) or are undergoing neurological treatment (e.g. recovery from brain injuries) would benefit from music therapy.
Your music therapist uses music as a means of expression and emotional regulation to help address issues that may not be addressed through words or verbal communication. Research has shown that it can improve mental health and well-being. It can help:
- Reduce anxiety or stress
- Regulate moods and energy levels
- Increase motivation
- Manage anger and frustration
- Manage challenging behaviour
- Improve the body’s ability to deal with pain
- Reduce pain perception by increasing the body’s production of natural painkillers
- Support faster recovery from medical procedures
Music Therapy For Disabled Adults
Music therapy can be a valuable support for disabled adults, helping to improve communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Sessions are tailored to each person’s strengths, interests, and goals, and may include singing, instrument playing, songwriting, movement, listening activities, or creative expression. Music therapy can also support NDIS participants in working towards goals related to community participation, independence, self-expression, and building meaningful connections with others.
Seniors Music Therapy
As seniors approach old age, people face changes in their family structure, health, and social circumstances. In this time of change, seniors need emotional security and well-being. Music therapy can help in these areas, including physical rehabilitation and movement facilitation, increased motivation, emotional support for you and your loved ones, and using creative arts as an outlet to express feelings and emotions. Treatment is provided in a range of settings, such as at home, in aged care homes, in palliative care or end-of-life settings, and more.
Types of elderly conditions that we work with:
- Cognitive impairments, including issues with attention, long and short-term memory, reality orientation, expression, self-regulation or behaviour, e.g., Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, brain injuries
- Physical impairments such as those involving motor skills, coordination, endurance and strength, e.g. stroke, motor vehicle injuries, neurodegenerative conditions
- Recovery from surgery or other medical procedures
- Conditions that limit access to social interaction, participation in community activities and/or quality of life
- Conditions requiring ongoing pain management (e.g. chronic pain conditions, cancer treatment, palliative care)
Our Approach
Because everyone’s healthcare goals are different, our treatment plans at Tilegne Therapy are tailored to the individual. Sessions may involve:
- A range of instruments appropriate to the client’s interests and abilities, including small percussion, tuned percussion, keys, drums, guitars, electronic instruments and voice.
- Learning social concepts such as turn-taking, collaboration and interactive expression.
- Writing and recording original songs
- Sharing and discussing songs
- Playing and learning songs
- Building confidence through instrument learning
- Learning choice-making around the type of music, preferred songs or artists, instruments to be played and the types of activities undertaken. Visual choice cards and collaboration with other health professionals can facilitate this.
- Brainstorming uses of music as a health resource
- Improvising on instruments
- Drawing to music and guided meditations
- Opportunities for family members, carers or support staff to participate and support therapeutic objectives.
Professional Music Therapists
View More Services
Tilegne Therapy are a multidisciplinary clinic offering speech therapy Melbourne, occupational therapy Melbourne, music therapy, and dietitian Melbourne services. We aim to offer a coordinated service where our therapists can work together to support the goals of each client.
Why Clients and Families Choose Tilegne Therapy for Music Therapy
We are committed to delivering personalised, evidence-based music therapy that supports people’s well-being. Here are some reasons why our clients choose to work with us:
- Individualised treatment plans tailored to each person’s goals and needs.
- Services available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Nepalese, Spanish and Malay.
- Culturally competent, AMTA-registered practitioners who can work with clients with diverse needs.
- Flexible session options in Footscray and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, such as Saturday appointments for one-on-one sessions, mobile or telehealth sessions.
- Support for families and caregivers, along with patients
If you’re looking for experienced, compassionate music therapy Melbourne-wide, our team is here to help.
How to Get Started
Case History Questionnaire
You'll complete a short form covering your medical history and main concerns, which helps your therapist plan your assessment.
Initial Assessment
Your therapist may use informal and/or formal assessments to identify your strengths and areas of improvement.
Get Your Assessment Results
Upon completion of the assessments, your therapist will spend time analysing and making recommendations on areas of concern. Please note that we can provide a formal assessment report at an extra charge.
Start Music Therapy Sessions
Depending on the assessment, we will recommend session frequency. Sessions can be conducted in our Footscray clinic, at home, or via telehealth.
Access Ongoing Support
We provide ongoing guidance and feedback to work with you outside of sessions to facilitate goal achievement. Therapy goals are targeted using an evidence-based approach based on the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic, and Time-Based).
Referrals and Funding Information
Referrals
You do not need a referral from a GP or specialist to book an appointment with Tilegne Therapy. However, if you have a referral from your doctor, you are welcome to provide it.
NDIS
Our services can be funded through the NDIS. Our team collaborates closely with families, support coordinators, and other health professionals.
My Aged Care
Services may be available through My Aged Care. If you have a Home Care Package or aged care support, our team can help coordinate services with your care provider.
Private Health Insurance
We accept most private health funds. We can provide invoices to help you claim a rebate. As coverage can vary, we recommend checking with your insurer for details.
Fees and Payment Information
Fees for Melbourne music therapy depend on the type of service, session length, location (telehealth or home visit), and whether the session is in business hours or outside or regular working hours. Contact our team to get a free schedule.
Our Melbourne Clinic
Tilegne Therapy offers in-person music therapy sessions in Melbourne. Our clinic is located in Footscray. We welcome clients from the surrounding suburbs like Seddon, Maribyrnong, Ascot Vale, Kensington, Melbourne’s inner west and beyond. We also have telehealth and mobile appointments for clients all over Melbourne.
Contact our team at (03) 9067 6888 to book an appointment.
Our Registered Music Therapists
Our team works with AMTA-registered music therapists.
Sharon Chao
Music Therapist
Sharon holds a Master of Music Therapy from The University of Melbourne and is an RMT with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
She has a background in early childhood education. Sharon has experience working with children with additional needs and has a strong interest in supporting adolescents through social and emotional learning (SEL). She uses music as a safe and meaningful medium to support emotional expression, communication, self-regulation, and social connection. In addition to English, she can provide treatment in Mandarin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we get from clients and families about music therapy.
FAQs
General Questions
Do I need a referral to see a music therapist at Tilegne Therapy?
No, you don’t need a referral. While referrals from a GP or specialist may be helpful for certain funding options (such as for NDIS), you’re welcome to contact us directly to book an initial appointment.
Do you offer music therapy for culturally and linguistically diverse families?
Yes. Culturally-responsive care is at the heart of what we do. At Tilegne Therapy, we work with multilingual clients and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, adapting our therapy methods to respect your language and communication style.
Does NDIS cover music therapy?
Tilegne Therapy is a Registered NDIS Provider. We support clients who are NDIS-managed, self-managed, or plan-managed. We’ll guide you through the available options and help you understand what’s needed to access funding.
What are the fees for treatment?
Fees vary depending on your individual needs and the type of therapy required. Talk to our team for details on fees and Medicare rebates.
Where do you offer music therapy in Melbourne?
We offer in-clinic sessions at our Footscray clinic, welcoming clients from all suburbs. Telehealth appointments are also available, and we offer mobile and at-home Melbourne music therapy services. Read our telehealth FAQs for more information.
Do you see My Aged Care clients?
Yes, we provide services for clients accessing treatment through My Aged Care. Please contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Does health insurance cover music therapy?
Coverage depends on your individual policy. We accept most private health funds and can provide invoices to assist with claims. We recommend checking with your insurer for specific details about your level of cover.
How long does music therapy take?
The duration varies depending on your goals and individual circumstances. Treatment may range from a few weeks to a few months, or longer-term support. Our team will regularly review your progress and provide a clear, realistic timeline.
Contact us, we are here to help
Our mobile team is able to visit your home in Melbourne.
