About

Making Music Therapy Accessible

Since 1994, the Canadian Music Therapy Fund (CMTF) has helped thousands of Canadians work towards their health and wellness goals with the support of music therapy. Based in the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, the CMTF is a registered charity with a mission to increase public awareness about music therapy and provide accessible music therapy services to underserved communities.

Mission

To raise awareness about the power of music therapy and make it accessible to all Canadians. We believe that music therapy is a vital, yet under-recognized, tool for enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being across the lifespan. By providing accessible music therapy services, supporting music therapists with clinical grants, and offering scholarships to aspiring professionals, we bring music therapy to those who need it most. Together with our supporters, we are building a future where music therapy is recognized, valued, and accessible to all Canadians.

Vision

We envision a Canada where every person, regardless of their ability, location, or financial circumstances, can access the healing and transformative power of music therapy. By raising awareness and breaking down barriers to access, we are helping to create a future where music therapy enriches lives and strengthens the well-being of communities across the country.

Our History

I believe that music can change the world - and music therapy is the purest example of that. When someone experiences music therapy, for themselves or a family member, the impact is transformative. Whether it is supporting older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, or the mental health of children and youth, certified music therapists make an incredible impact on their clients.

Quentin Burgess

Chair of the Board

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Music Therapy is a scientifically proven modality of treatment and can be used to support individuals impacted by a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Dementia

Autism

Grief

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Parkinson’s Disease

Stroke

Physical Disabilities

Developmental Disabilities

Pain (Acute & Chronic)

Substance Use Disorders

Mood Disorders

Palliative care

Acute & Chronic Illnesses

Anxiety Disorders

We are a Safe & Inclusive Organisation

The Canadian Music Therapy Fund aims to provide a safe, creative and inclusive space, both online and in-person at the Music Therapy Centre. It is everyone’s responsibility to create positive and respectful spaces for people of all races, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. As an organisation, we aim to foster welcoming relationships both with our team and the community, including our donors, clients and ambassadors.

We have zero tolerance for harassment or violence of any kind and will seek to address these behaviours as quickly as we can. The impact on the person harassed, not the intent of the harasser, defines harassment.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that 1175 Bloor Street West is located on the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Today, this area is still home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

This territory is part of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, a treaty between Indigenous Nations to share and protect the land and its resources in peace.

We are grateful to live and work on this land, and we recognize our ongoing responsibilities to truth, reconciliation, and meaningful relationship with Indigenous communities.