
Services
We are Canada's Leading Centre for Music Therapy and Wellness
Music Therapy Services
Music therapy harnesses the transformative power of music to support health and well-being through individualized, therapeutic activities. At the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Centre for Music Therapy and Wellness, certified therapists provide inclusive, tailored sessions to help clients of all ages and abilities thrive emotionally, physically, and socially.



Learn About our Services
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a certified music therapist to support health and well-being. It combines the power of music with therapeutic techniques to achieve specific physical, emotional, cognitive, and social goals.
Through activities like singing, playing instruments, songwriting, and listening to music, individuals of all ages and abilities can explore and express emotions, improve communication, manage stress, and enhance their quality of life.
Our activities are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, creating a safe, inclusive space for healing and growth.
Discover how music can transform lives and support wellness.
Who is Music Therapy For?
Music therapy is for anyone who can benefit from the power of music to enhance their well-being. It supports individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with:
- Developmental challenges
- Physical challenges
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Sensory impairments
- Learning difficulties
- Brain injuries
- Conduct or behavioral disorders
- Mental health recovery from life events, substance abuse, or illness
- Strokes, Alzheimer’s, or dementia
- Palliative care needs
We tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each client, empowering them to thrive through music.
How Music Therapy Helps
- Singing enhances communication, speech and language, articulation, breath control, emotional expression, and listening skills.
- Instrument playing improves motor skills (dexterity, coordination, strength) and social skills (self-esteem, cooperation).
- Rhythmic movement and dance support mobility, agility, balance, and physical endurance while fostering relaxation.
- Improvisation provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions and encourages decision-making in a structured, supportive setting.
- Composition develops collaboration, idea-sharing, and social interaction.
- Active listening strengthens cognitive skills like attention, memory, and auditory perception.
We tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each client, empowering them to thrive through music.
What Happens in Music Therapy Sessions?
Music therapists design activities to meet individual needs and achieve therapeutic outcomes. They are trained to use various communication models, including signing and picture exchange, as requested.
Our studios are equipped with a wide variety of instruments and tools, including grand pianos, percussion instruments (drums, chimes, handbells, wood blocks, etc.), electric and acoustic guitars, adapted therapeutic devices (Stretchy Bands, mallets, etc.), and electronic equipment such as keyboards, computers, microphones, and recording capabilities.
Specialized programs available on request:
- Neurological music therapy (e.g., stroke recovery)
- Relaxation sessions
- Music visualization and imagery
- Guided imagery and music (Bonny Method)
- Creative arts exploration
- Hand bell choir (Suzuki tone chime bells)
Where are Music Therapy Sessions Offered?
- At our locations: Sessions are available at the Conservatory’s two campuses, located in Victoria and Langford, as well as through online platforms, ensuring accessibility for participants near and far.
- Institutional/Community sessions: For organizations or community groups, we can bring sessions directly to your location. Online sessions are also available, offering flexibility and convenience.
Services and Costs
Individual in-house sessions:
- What: Session lengths are set depending on needs and challenges, as well as the age of the participant(s).
- Where: Offered at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s two locations (Victoria and Langford) as well as online.
- When: Commitment of one year. Sessions purchased incrementally in 30, 45, or 60 minute durations.
- Cost: Music therapist’s set hourly rate starts at $91/hour for sessions at Victoria Conservatory of Music locations. The hourly rate is the same for private and group sessions.
- Learn more by emailing Dr. Johanne Brodeur at brodeur[at]vcm.bc.ca.
Institutional/ Community Sessions:
- What: Session lengths are set depending on needs and challenges, as well as the age of the participant(s).
- Where: Our Music Therapist comes to you. Online sessions are also offered.
- When: Commitment of one year. Sessions purchased incrementally in 30, 45, or 60 minute durations.
- Cost: Music therapist’s set hourly rate starts at $71/hour, plus mileage fee.
- Learn more by emailing Dr. Johanne Brodeur at brodeur[at]vcm.bc.ca.
Summer Camps:
- What: Music Therapy Summer Camps are ONLY for children/youth with special needs’ designations (e.g: autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory impairment, attention deficit disorder, complex health challenges, etc.). Young children (under 3 years old) sometimes do not yet have a designation as assessment is in progress. These children may be accepted in the camp without designation as long as the symptoms meet the special needs requirement.
- Where: Offered at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s two locations (Victoria and Langford).
- When: Music Therapy Summer Camps are typically offered in June and July each year. Registration typically opens May 1.
- Cost: These camps are offered for free but have limited space available.
- Learn more by emailing Dr. Johanne Brodeur at brodeur[at]vcm.bc.ca.
Public Events:
- Senior music therapists are also available for speaking engagements, keynote addresses and workshop presentations.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance toward music therapy sessions is available and awarded throughout the year depending on availability. Learn more by contacting Dr. Johanne Brodeur at 250.386.5311, brodeur[at]vcm.bc.ca