Music Therapy

We are pleased to offer a new semester of Music Therapy at NCMC for young children and their caregivers, developed as part of an ongoing partnership between the Northampton Community Music Center and the Music Therapy Program at Westfield State University. 

Who is the program for? This program is for children ages 4-6 with diagnosed developmental  challenges, including autism spectrum disorder (and their caregivers). 

What does the program involve? Weekly sessions will be held at the Northampton Community  Music Center and led by two Westfield State University Music Therapy Program Practicum students  in collaboration with a board-certified Music Therapist who will also be present at every session. The  children and their caregivers will engage in musical play and movement designed to encourage  individual expression as well as group interaction, while developing new social skills. 

A minimum of 4 families is required to run the program, with no more than 6 families participating in  the group. 

What is the cost? Thanks to the generosity of Westfield State University, this semester of the Music Therapy Program is 100% free to all participating families. Future costs will be contingent upon what alternate sources of funding can be secured. 

How can someone be part of the program? 

Step 1: Pre-register for and attend the Meet-and-Greet with your child

Friday, January 24, 2024 at 10-11am

You must register ahead of time to attend the Meet-and-Greet. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Deadline to register is Friday, January 17. 

How do I register for the Meet-and-Greet?

Call the Northampton Community Music Center at 413-585-0001. Ask for Jason or Kim, who will ask you for some preliminary intake information.  

What is the goal of the Meet-and-Greet? 

At this session, interested families will learn about the program, see the space in which the program will be held, and see some of the instruments that will be used. They will meet the Practicum  students, the Music Therapist, and the head of the Westfield State University Music Therapy  Program. Families will have a chance to ask questions and learn more about the anticipated activities and outcomes. At the end of the Meet-and-Greet, families who are interested in securing a space in the program will schedule their intake session. 

Step 2: Attend an Intake/Assessment Appointment

These will be private 30-minute sessions held on Friday, Jan. 31st between 10:00am and 12:30pm. 

These are individual/private meetings for child/guardian pairs who are committed to participating in the group and will give the Certified Music Therapist and Practicum students the opportunity to learn more about the strengths and needs of each child. 

Step 3: Attend the 10-Week Program

The program will take place at 10:00 am at the Northampton Community Music Center, 139 South  Street, Northampton on the following Fridays: 

February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25, and May 2, 2025 

On days of inclement weather, meetings will be canceled. Otherwise, regular attendance will be  expected of all participants. 

Additional Information: 

This music therapy program at NCMC is part of an ongoing partnership between NCMC and the  Music Therapy program at Westfield State University which began in 2023. NCMC is honored to be working with WSU to provide music therapy opportunities that meet the needs of the community while  supporting the clinical development of future music therapists pursuing their degrees and board certification through WSU.

If you have questions, please call NCMC at 413-585-0001 and ask for Kim or Jason.