Frequently Asked Questions

What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a research-based practice in which music is used to actively support people to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing.

It is delivered by a university-trained, registered music therapist and is different from music lessons or entertainment; the focus is on therapeutic goals, not musical talent. Music therapy is suitable for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, regardless of musical skill.

Through therapy, clients and therapists work together to develop individualised goals, which may include improving communication, social connection, emotional regulation, confidence, or motor skills. Music therapy also provides a safe, creative space for clients to feel seen and acknowledged.
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Reference: Australian Music Therapy Association

What can I expect?
During an initial consultation, Sarah will:
  • Discuss relevant health and music history
  • Explore your or your child’s expectations of therapy
  • Conduct a brief assessment involving live music
  • Provide guidance on how music therapy can support wellbeing and goals

All sessions are adapted to each client. You won’t need to supply instruments, we use voice, household objects, movement, recordings, or technology.

What will we do?
Sessions include a variety of therapeutic interventions and music activities, such as:
  • Singing, playing instruments (including adaptive instruments)
  • Songwriting, playlist creation, song sharing, lyric discussion
  • Improvisation and developmental music games
  • Memory recall exercises, audio/video recording
  • Counselling, relaxation/guided imagery, mindfulness exercises
  • Music-facilitated bonding/attachment
  • Movement to music

​Programs are based on what clients enjoy, and clients are never asked to do something they are uncomfortable with.

I can’t sing- is that a problem?
Absolutely not. Active music making is only one part of therapy. If you can sing or play an instrument, that is great, but it is not required. An interest in music is all that is needed.

I feel nervous
It is normal to feel apprehensive before a session. Sarah works to make sessions as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Most clients relax and engage quickly through music.

I want to learn an instrument                      
Learning an instrument can be included in therapy. This is different from formal tuition. Sessions are flexible, supportive, and adapted for any physical, psychological or cognitive challenges. Instruments taught include voice, guitar, ukulele, beginner-intermediate piano, and drums.

Location & Telehealth                      
Music Therapy Wellness is a mobile service, delivering therapy at:
  • Home
  • School or childcare
  • Aged care or residential care
  • Online via Telehealth​
​Online sessions are perfect for clients who prefer comfort, privacy, or reduced sensory load.

​Fees
Music therapy session (60 minutes)
  • $156.16 per hour

Non-clinical work
  • 10 minutes for session planning and resource development = $26.03
  • 10 minutes for record keeping and progress notes = $26.03

​Total estimated cost per session: $208.22

Travel
  • Charged at half the session rate per hour.

  • Additional fees such as milage and tolls may also be passed on to the client

    Note: Sessions can be adjusted for shorter durations if more suitable. Sarah will assess the best fit for session length based on individual needs.

    ​Note: These are the new session prices to take effect 24th November 2025

NDIS
Music therapy is recognised by the NDIS under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living- Therapy Supports. It can assist in developing skills, independence, social participation, communication, emotional regulation, and daily living.

Supports can be delivered individually or in groups.

Unfortunately there is a considerable degree of mis-information related to the inclusion of music therapy under the NDIS. The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the NDIA advise music therapy is an approved therapeutic intervention under the National Disability Insurance Scheme where deemed reasonable and necessary. 
  • Click HERE to access letters from Federal MP, Pat Conroy; and the general manager of Access and Planning for the NDIS, William Garton for clarification on this matter. 
  • Click HERE for additional information from the AMTA. 
  • Click HERE to read page 23 of the Review of therapy pricing arrangement where music therapy is highlighted for inclusion.

The AMTA are working hard to overcome this mis-information issue. If you are being told music therapy is not funded by the NDIS, please contact our professional representative to report it via: [email protected]. 
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For details, click here:

Strengths-based, neurodivergence-aware approach
Sarah employs a strengths-based philosophy, focusing on what clients can do rather than deficits. This is informed by salutogenesis, a concept that encourages moving beyond disease to focus on factors that promote health and wellbeing.

Music therapy provides a creative space to identify and nurture each client’s unique strengths, supporting them to overcome challenges and improve wellbeing.

Neurodivergence is increasingly understood and celebrated. Many successful people are neurodivergent, including Temple Grandin, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Florence Welch, Simone Biles, and Greta Thunberg. Historical figures such as Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Vincent Van Gogh, Nikola Tesla, and F. Scott Fitzgerald also demonstrate the power of unique strengths.
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Every client deserves their strengths and skills to be celebrated and nurtured, and this philosophy underpins every session.
“Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears - it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more - it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life.
​For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.” 
― Oliver Sacks
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