NCMC's Music Therapy program supports children, teens, and adults across a wide range of abilities and needs — including autism spectrum disorder, emotional or behavioral challenges, neurological conditions, dementia, and individuals recovering from trauma.
Led by a board-certified music therapist, each session is tailored to the goals and preferences of the individual, drawing on evidence-based interventions to foster communication, self-expression, social connection, motor skills, cognitive development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
As a community music center, we believe music should be accessible to everyone of all abilities. Music Therapy sessions may involve learning and playing songs, improvisation, songwriting, guided listening, and movement to music.
Services are available in individual, group, and family sessions, and may take place in our community space.
Our group programs are 100% free of charge thanks to the following generous grants: Autism Community Impact Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, an Arts and Community Access Grant from Arts for Autism, and a Spark for Good Grant from our local Northampton Walmart store.
What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. A music therapist is an individual who has completed the education and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and who holds current board certification from The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Music Therapy at NCMC adapts to your needs. Following your intake session, you'll be set on a therapeutic course involving one or more of the following approaches:
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Individual Music Therapy involves regular 30-60 minute sessions, using music as a tool to help address one's personal and/or clinical goals and to improve one's quality of life.
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Adaptive Music Instruction focuses on the learning of an instrument or musical discipline, but is tailored by a professional music therapist to suit an individual's specific needs.
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Group Music Therapy: In NCMC's Group Music Therapy Programs, participants engage in musical play and movement designed to encourage individual expression as well as group interaction, while developing new social and communication skills. Groups most often accommodate 3 to 6 children (and their caregivers for younger groups). Schedules change each semester but groups usually take place on later weekday afternoons or early evenings. If you're interested in one of the group programs listed below, please complete an interest form, and our Outreach Coordinator will contact you to discuss your specific needs and goals and to discuss program details and logistics including upcoming dates, schedules, and availability.
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Young Child Group Music Therapy: Through a partnership with Westfield State University, NCMC offers free group music therapy for families with children ages 4-6 who have been diagnosed with developmental challenges. Programs are 12-to-14 weeks and begin each September and January. The program is led by practicum students at Westfield State University under the on-site supervision of board-certified Music Therapist and WSU faculty member Ben Rosenthal.
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Group Music Therapy for 7-10 year-olds: This free 14-week program is led by our on-faculty board-certified Music Therapist Jake Liuzzo.
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Group Music Therapy for 11-14 year-olds: This free 14-week program is led by our on-faculty board-certified Music Therapist Jake Liuzzo.
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The ND Jam Band is a free, group-based program, providing an accommodating space for neurodivergent people ages 18+ to connect and practice music collaboratively. This is a large group, usually 15 to 20 people.