About Music Therapy

We are Canada's Leading Centre for Music Therapy and Wellness

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the skillful use of music as a therapeutic tool to restore, maintain, and improve mental, physical, and emotional health. The nonverbal, creative, and affective nature of music facilitates contact, learning, self-expression, communication, and growth.

Our sessions meet the needs of children as young as infants to the elderly; those of all ages with exceptionalities, conditions, or illnesses, and improve the quality of life for all. Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly may benefit from music therapy. Many participants have become familiar faces as they visit on a regular basis, year after year. Others come for a phase in their lives.

Find out more about our Music Therapy services and our innovative Music Therapy programs and facilities:

Music Therapy Services   Innovative Programs and Facilities

Music Therapy Services
Innovative Programs and Facilities

What makes us Canada’s Leading Centre for Music Therapy?

Unmatched Expertise

Our Centre offers unparalleled expertise in music therapy, with a team of experienced, credentialed professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care and innovative solutions for diverse needs. We are recognized as leaders in the field, combining academic rigour with compassionate practice.

Pictured: Dr. Johanne Brodeur, Head of Music Therapy.

View our faculty

Johanne Brodeur
Music Therapy photo

A Client-Centred Approach

We prioritize evidence-based methods that are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring our clients receive the most effective therapy for their specific challenges. Our client-centred approach fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where personal goals drive the therapeutic process.

Innovative Activities

Our Centre specializes in developing innovative activities that address a wide range of complex health needs, from mental health to developmental challenges, ensuring that every client receives the right care. These programs are designed to promote healing and improve quality of life through the power of music.

Music Therapy Ewan reversed
Music Therapy photo

Accessible Services

We believe that music therapy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. Our services are designed to meet the needs of individuals from all walks of life, ensuring equitable access to transformative care through scheduling and financial assistance when meeting criteria for such needs.

Personal Growth Through Music

Music is also a powerful tool for personal growth; fostering emotional expression, self-awareness, and confidence. Clients engage in transformative experiences that support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Ari Kinarthy discovered his creative talents through the innovative Music Therapy Department at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. For Ari, who has spinal muscular atrophy (type 2), a condition that has affected his muscles since birth, his work with Allan has been life-transforming.

Ari has been working with Allan since age 17 and now at the age of 35, he is an accomplished musician/composer who makes music with computer music programs and the Soundbeam transforming the movements of his wheelchair through ultra sonic rays into sounds/notes.

Filmed in May 2021 at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, this video features musician and composer Ari Kinarthy performing his original piece “Challenges,” using the innovative Soundbeam technology to trigger cello melodies from his wheelchair, accompanied by Victoria Conservatory string and piano faculty.

Sponsors

We gratefully acknowledge our supporters and partners:

CIBC Children's Foundation, Help Kids Rise Above logo
Long and McQuade logo

NRS Foundation
through the Victoria Foundation

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia