Who might benefit from music therapy?

Children        Young People        Adults         Older Adults

People of any age living with an identified need which might be addressed through the therapeutic use of music by a registered music therapist.

It's about relationship and environment

It is about building on your strengths and interest, connecting particular music with what you need, developing a supportive, therapeutic relationship. As a registered music therapist Shari has specialist, Masters level training and knowledge of best practice and research that enables her to appropriately select and use music and musical instruments to facilitate positive change and address non-musical goals: physical, social and communication, cognitive and/or emotional, as well as general wellbeing and quality of life.

​Shari seeks to co-create an environment that is both accepting and encouraging, with music providing a motivating, non-pressured medium through which to establish and develop a relationship of trust between client(s) and music therapist. Within those relationships people who experience life in different ways can experience music therapy as a safe space to create, explore, express, and process whatever life holds. 

Why a registered music therapist?

  • Master of Music Therapy degree - Shari has the skills, knowledge and understanding of how to safely and ethically work with people of vulnerable populations, according to the MThNZ Code of Ethics
  • Registration and practicing certificate ensures Shari is continually keeping up with best practice and research, and is supported by her clinical supervisors, according to the MThNZ Standards of Practice.
  • Music therapists are identified as specialists who can provide a service to children who have High or Very High special education needs via the Ministry of Education’s Ongoing Reviewable Resourcing Scheme (ORRS) (MOE, 2006_Link).
  • Links to Training, Registration and MThNZ

What might you do in music therapy?

Shari incorporates a wide range of instruments and musical opportunities, depending on what you're interested in and what you need: 
  • Musical improvisations - Free play; Based on a theme or motif e.g. seasons, emotions​; Structured in a musical way e.g. a blues chord progression
  • Interactive, structured music-making activities
  • Singing - songs and improvised singing
  • Song-writing
  • Listening or receptive music and guided imagery strategies
  • Reminiscence and life review

Where do registered music therapists work?

Registered music therapists are trained to work in a variety of settings with anyone, of any age, from all walks of life.
  • Pre-schools and Schools - Special education and inclusive environments
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
  • Residential Care Facilities
  • Palliative Care Facilities
  • Detention Centres
  • Private Homes