Music therapy is...

a form of therapy in which music is the basis of the therapeutic relationship. Music therapists work in many different settings and in many different ways.

As a music therapist, I use music to connect with therapy participants and support them in reaching whatever goals are meaningful to them. This could mean...

Developing music based strategies for self regulation
Supporting communication development in a fun, motivating way
Using music as a source of joy, play, and rest
Developing confidence and self efficacy through music performance
Utilizing music as a resource for social resistance
Using music play to build and develop familial bonds
Developing musical mnemonics to support academic growth
Connecting with community and identifying meaningful leisure interests via music groups

Do you accept insurance?

We currently do not accept private insurance. However, participants are welcome to submit for insurance reimbursement independently. I can provide a superbill with my NPI, which may help with insurance reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider before starting services if you rely on this funding.

Many participants pay through grant based funding or programs such as The Developmental Disabilities Administration's Low Intensity Support Services (LISS).

If you are a Medicaid member, you can check with your local State Area Agency to inquire about Medicaid waiver programs and additional funding resources.

Who do you work with?

Zoe has experience working with folks across the lifespan and with many relevant identities and lived experiences. Zoe has worked extensively with kids, teens, and adults with disabilities in community based settings, public schools, and residential environments. Zoe has also worked with young families, LGBTQIA+ teens, elders in assisted living communities, and in partnership with a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Zoe's Approach

Do you teach music lessons?

Yes! We offer adapted music lessons for folks that would like to learn an instrument or develop their singing voice in a low-pressure, learner led environment. Zoe can teach beginner piano, guitar, and voice. However, if you are looking for a traditional approach to lessons, we recommend you check out one of the wonderful local music teachers.

What happens in music therapy?

Music therapy will be different based on your interests, your goals, and who your music therapist is. With that said, here are some examples of types of experiences:

Composition: Writing new or "piggybacked" songs. This can support a wide variety of goals including expressive language development, emotional coping, social resistance, community building, and even parental bonding.
Instrument play: Music therapists are trained to create accessible entry points to instrument play for non-musicians. This could mean improvisation at a piano or learning patterns on a Ghanaian gyil.
Music listening: This may accompany lyric analysis or could be used for progressive relaxation.
Recording, visual art creation, & more: Some folks sculpt play dough or draw. Others find more meaning in recording their rap freestyles. Still others enjoy talking about their musical communities or developing new dances for their TikToks. There are infinite ways to be in music therapy.

Who can be a music therapist?

In the United States, music therapists attend at least 4 years of schooling, complete a 1,200 clinical hour internship, and sit for a board certification exam. Once they've completed those steps they are given the title "MT-BC." In Maryland, music therapists must also apply to be licensed every 2 years. The licensure process requires significant continuing education and results in the title "LPMT." This means that in Maryland, someone practicing music therapy MUST be both an
MT-BC and LPMT.

Where do music therapists work?

Private practices

Private practice music therapists often work with a wide variety of participants. They have the freedom to practice in ways that work best for the therapist and participant instead of within institutional guidelines.

Institutions

Institutions like hospitals, school systems, and prisons often employ music therapists. These services are often low or no-cost but can be focused on the goals of the institution rather than the individual.

Community Organizations

Community organizations can partner with music therapists to support stakeholders in a variety of ways.

Other...

Music therapists can work for hospice companies, at camps, and in many other settings.