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.
2023 Grant Recipient
2023 Grant Recipient
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.
George Stroumboulopoulos
Scholarship Recipient 2025
George Stroumboulopoulos
Scholarship Recipient 2025
Our History
The Beginning
CMTF is founded by music therapists who saw a growing need to make music therapy services more accessible
Music Therapy Centre
Fran Herman, a music therapy pioneer and CMTF champion, rallied the Canadian music industry to fund and establish The Music Therapy Centre (MTC) in Toronto, now CMTF's head office.
Fellowship Award
With the generous support of Michael Cohl, CMTF grants our first fellowship for music therapy research.
March for Music Therapy
CMTF launches the annual March for Music Therapy to raise awareness and funds. Provincial music therapy organizations and universities nationwide organize their own Marches in support.
George Stroumboulopoulos Scholarship
CMTF partners with George Stroumboulopoulos to launch The George Stroumboulopoulos Music Therapy Scholarship, to support music therapy students in need.
National Grants
CMTF launches our national granting program, awarding clinical grants to music therapists to help expand access to music therapy services across Canada.
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
- And More!
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.