Canadian Music Therapy Fund

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the answers to some of our frequently asked questions below. If you have any additional inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at info@musictherapyfund.ca.

About Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical practice that uses musical elements (ie. song, rhythm, melodies, etc) to achieve client goals (i.e reduce stress, improve motor skills, etc).

What Does a Music Therapist Do?

Music therapists work with their clients to improve on or achieve specific goals through the use of musical tools.

What Challenges Can Music Therapy Help Support?

Music therapy has been proven to be an effective tool for supporting a variety of challenges 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

Do you have questions about the benefits of music therapy? Give us a call at 416-535-0200 or send us an email at info@musictherapyfund.ca and we can help with your decision.

Who is Qualified to Practise Music Therapy?

Certified music therapists who have the MTA credential. To achieve this credential they must have completed a degree in music therapy, a 1000 hour internship, and a certification exam.

BOOKING A SESSION

How do I Book a Session at the Music Therapy Centre?

If you’re interested in music therapy services for yourself or a loved one, please contact us at 416-535-0200 or send us an email at info@musictherapyfund.ca to book an intake call with our Music Therapy Centre Manager.

What Does a Typical Music Therapy Session Look Like?

First of all, there’s no typical session! All certified music therapists work with their clients to customise sessions according to their needs. Some practices that may be used during a session include:

  1. Guided listening to music
  2. Moving, stretching, or dancing to music
  3. Playing instruments or making sounds
  4. Improvising, writing, or creating music
  5. Listening to & discussing lyrics
  6. Singing songs, melodies, or lyrics
Do I Need a Background in Music to Try Music Therapy?

Not at all! Music therapists assess their client’s musical abilities and use appropriate methods for the individual or group. Some examples of activities that require no musical background include singing/humming a song, moving to music, listening to music, discussing lyrics, etc.

Is Music Therapy a Reimbursable Service

Currently OHIP does not cover music therapy services. 

Many of our music therapists are also registered psychotherapists (RP) whose services may be covered by your insurance plan. 

Alternatively, if you have access to a health spending account through your insurance or work, you may be able to use this towards music therapy services.

BECOMING A MUSIC THERAPIST

How do I Become a Music Therapist?
  1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, or Master’s Degree in Music Therapy
  2. Complete 1000 hours of a supervised clinical internship
  3. Pass the Certification Board of Music Therapists exam to receive the MTA (Certified Music Therapist) credential
Where can I get a Degree in Music Therapy in Canada?

Acadia University – Nova Scotia

Certificate in Music Therapy – https://music.acadiau.ca/music-degrees.html

Bachelor of Music Therapy – https://music.acadiau.ca/music-degrees.html

 

Canadian Mennonite University – Manitoba

Bachelor of Music Therapy – https://www.cmu.ca/programs/music-therapy

 

Capilano University – British Columbia

Bachelor of Music Therapy – https://www.capilanou.ca/programs–courses/program-profiles/bachelor-of-music-therapy-degree/

 

Concordia University – Québec

Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy – https://www.concordia.ca/academics/graduate/music-therapy-diploma.html

Master of Music Therapy – https://www.concordia.ca/academics/graduate/music-therapy.html

 

University of Toronto – Ontario

Master of Music Therapy – https://sgs.calendar.utoronto.ca/music-music-ma-field-music-and-health-sciences

 

Wilfrid Laurier University – Ontario

Bachelor of Music Therapy – https://www.wlu.ca/programs/music/undergraduate/music-bmt/index.html

Master of Music Therapy – https://www.wlu.ca/programs/music/graduate/music-therapy-mmt/index.html

 

Do you Offer a Scholarship for Music Therapy Education?

Yes! Check out our Scholarship page for more information.

Get involved with cmtf

How can I Give a Charitable Donation?

Thank you for your support! Donations can be made through our CanadaHelps page. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

How can I Volunteer with the Canadian Music Therapy Fund?

Check out our volunteer page to view any open calls for volunteers. If there are no current opportunities but you have a skillset you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@canadianmusictherapyfund.ca

How do I learn more about what my donations do to the charity?

Check out our Community Reports for a detailed overview of what the Canadian Music Therapy Fund has been able to accomplish over the years with the donations we receive.

For current news on what we’re achieving with our donations, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on facebook, instagram, linkedin, or twitter (*insert links).

Where can I find Grant opportunities for Music Therapy Services in my Community?

Check out our grants page to learn about our national grant.