Question 1

What is the difference between Music Therapy and Music teaching?

Accepted Answer

The difference is largely in the goals. Music therapy goals are non-musical whereas music teaching goals are musical.

Music therapy uses music as a tool to achieve non-musical goals. In some instances, there may be improvements in musical abilities however this is not the focus.

Music therapists focus on functional non-musical skills.

Question 2

Why music therapy?

Accepted Answer

Music reaches the brain in powerful ways, helping where words sometimes can’t. It can boost health, wellbeing, and quality of life by supporting the whole person – mind and body.

Music therapy is suitable to complement other therapeutic goals in providing internal motivation, successful and enjoyable therapy sessions. There is emerging research around the use of music as a tool to address functional and overall well-being goals.

Question 3

What happens in a music therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Music therapy sessions vary according to the setting, client's needs and the theoretical approach of the facility and Registered Music Therapist (RMT). Sessions are designed around the non-musical treatment goals and objectives set up by the therapy team and the client and may be held individually, in groups, or with family or key support people.  
  
Clients do not have to have any prior training or musical background to benefit from music therapy. The interventions may include both passive and active participation. The client is not forced to participate in any way during the session, and the sessions are set at the client’s participation pace. 
 
An initial assessment would usually be done by one of our RMT staff to determine a treatment plan that may involve collaboration with other allied health therapists working closely with the client. The purpose of an initial session is to review the baseline and there is no expectation in the initial session.  
 
A session may include a variety of LIVE musical experiences, such as:

Discussion and verbal reflection 
Singing or vocal work 
Playing instruments 
Relaxation or diaphragmatic breathing  
Improvisation  
Songwriting  
Movement activities       
Lyric analysis  
Adaptive music lessons

These sessions are reviewed regularly, and goals may shift as needed. The RMT could also provide session summaries or updates when required.

Question 4

How do you track and gather music therapy progress information?

Accepted Answer

Progress notes from each music therapy session are carefully recorded in our database. They are reviewed by your music therapists before your next session, helping us stay connected to your progress and needs.

Our therapists are happy to share these progress notes or share session highlights with the client's caregiver and allied health team.

A treatment summary can be provided by request to satisfy funding assessment, Individualised Learning Plan (ILP) or Good Life Plan (GLP) goals evaluation (in specialist education setting), or for personal archive.  Summary reports may incur additional costs.

Contact your music therapist for more information on gathering written music therapy progress or email info@smt.nz.

Question 5

What is the cost of music therapy & how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Our Service fees reflect the quality, professionalism and integrity of our music therapy service. We accept funding from a number of sources including ACC, individualized funding, carer support and other funding bodies. For a list or further enquire please contact info@smt.nz.  Our Registered Music Therapists have been recognized by:Ministry of Education – ORRS FundingMinistry of Health- Individualized FundingACC – sensitive claimsOur fees naturally vary depending on the service we provide you.Initial Assessment Sessions range from $140+gst - this is a one-off session & cost.Individual sessions range from $100+gst per session. Group session fees start from $350+gst per term. Reports & meetings are POA.Travel (community clients only) are POA depending on location.Some funding providers, like ACC, require a report to support each approved block of sessions. Private clients may also like to request a report to support future therapies. Usually, we invoice monthly in arrears. Group sessions are invoiced per term as a commitment to the term. Any reports or meetings will be included in these invoices. Payment is due on the 20th of the following month. If cost is a barrier for you to access music therapy, please let us know. We can also provide you with payment plan options to help spread the cost across a period of time. If you have any questions regarding your accounts, please email accounts@smt.nz. We encourage you to talk with your case manager or support person to see if you can access music therapy. You are welcome to contact us via email with any questions info@smt.nz.

Question 6

Where can I get funding for Music Therapy?

Accepted Answer

At Southern Music Therapy, we aim to ensure that finances do not prevent anyone from accessing our services. While our fees reflect the professionalism and quality of our therapy, we work closely with individuals and organisations to find funding solutions.

Our clients frequently access music therapy through a range of individualised and disability support funding systems.

These include:

ACC (Vendor ID: VBC879) - Training for Independence, Living My Life, Sensitive Claims.
Carer Support & respite funding.
Individualised Funding - Florence Nightingale Agency, Manawanui, Hōhepa Canterbury, Enabling Good Lives, Ministry of Disabled People, Lifelinks, ORS funding, Ministry of Education.
WINZ Disability Allowance (Counselling – 10 sessions).

All have funded music therapy in the past, and we’re happy to provide justification letters if needed.

Grant Funding:

For those not currently funded, we can provide a Grant Funding guide to help you search and apply for community grants that may cover a portion of your music therapy costs. Applications must be completed by the client, but we can supply supporting information or quotes.

To request a quote and further funding information and potential grants, please contact info@smt.nz.

Question 7

What is the referral process & how can I access music therapy?

Accepted Answer

Many clients do self-refer, alternatively, a family member, case worker, GP or other support person can refer you. If you would like to commence sessions with one of our registered music therapists, please firstly complete our referral form.

Please allow up to 7 business days for a reply, in this reply, we will provide you with further information, if requested, you will also receive our funding document that may be able to help you find funding for sessions.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A full policy will be provided to you upon commencement of music therapy via email.

We kindly ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice for all cancellations as this will ensure our team can plan accordingly for each session. If you are unable to attend in person but able to attend online, please let your therapist know and we can arrange a telehealth session instead of a session in clinic - the session will be at the same time as your usual session and considered an attended session.

Each cancellation is reviewed and charged accordingly at the discretion of the director. If you feel you have been unfairly charged for a cancellation, please contact us via email accounts@smt.nz.

Question 9

Where is Music Therapy held?

Accepted Answer

Where possible music therapy is carried out in a room where privacy can be guaranteed, and we won’t disturb others as we make sound.

We have 2 clinic locations within Christchurch.
 
The Granada Centre, St John of God, Halswell.
Braintree Wellness Centre, Papanui.
 
Or we can come to you in the community (Canterbury). Travel fees are in addition to the session fees. You do not need to own a piano as music therapist’s use a variety of portable instruments.

We can offer online telehealth sessions to those that might not be close to us or if you are unable to attend your session in person on occasion.

If you are a facility or school looking to have music therapy held in your location, please contact us to find out more about how we can make this work info@smt.nz.

Question 10

Do I need to be able to play an instrument or sing?

Accepted Answer

Even though live music is used in every session, music therapy is not teaching someone how to play an instrument. You are not expected to be able to play an instrument, beat on time or sing in tune. The sessions encourage activate engagement, which is well supported by the Music therapists with improvised music on an instrument, or a familiar sung song.

Our services focus is on the tool of music and is a strengthen based approach.  Therefore, we do not point out the challenges but find a successful way to move forward that is engaging and motivating as well as stimulating the neuro pathways in the brain with this incredible tool - music!

Question 11

Can I observe a session?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not allow session observation due to privacy. We do allow a support person in sessions if needed or requested by the client.

We can suggest joining us at Cantabrainers Choir on request, you can email us info@smt.nz with your interest or check out their website www.cantabrainerschoir.co.nz.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and video content.

Question 12

Do you have a Diversity Statement?

Accepted Answer

At Southern Music Therapy, we believe the strength and impact of our work is directly shaped by the diversity of the people who create it. Music therapy is enriched when many voices, cultures, identities, and lived experiences are present, valued, and empowered.

We recognise that access to education, training, and pathways to registration as a music therapist has not been equitable for everyone. The effects of colonisation, racism, ableism, and systemic barriers have influenced whose voices are heard, whose knowledge is recognised, and what has historically been defined as “music therapy” in Aotearoa. We acknowledge this openly and commit to working in ways that challenge these structures rather than reinforce them.

We actively support and uplift practitioners, clients, and communities whose experiences have been historically overlooked or marginalised — including Māori, Pasifika, disabled people, neurodivergent people, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We value indigenous knowledge systems, community knowledge, and lived experience as essential to shaping music therapy today and into the future.

Our team must reflect the communities we serve. That is why we welcome people from all backgrounds, especially those whose perspectives expand, challenge, and strengthen our practice. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment where every person — client, whānau member, practitioner, or partner organisation — feels respected, heard, and supported.

Diversity is not an obligation for us; it is a fundamental part of delivering compassionate, effective, and meaningful music therapy across the communities of Waitaha and Aotearoa.

Question 13

Where can I find more information on Music Therapy?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of resources online which are included below:
​
Artefact series on Taonga Puoro featuring music therapy (only available in New Zealand)
Million Dollar Mission feature on music therapy
Music Therapy New Zealand
Voices online journal
American Music Therapy Association
Victoria University - Training as a music therapist
Working as a music therapist in New Zealand

You can also find some more useful links on our Resources & References page.

Why not follow us on social media as well - Facebook & Instagram.

Question 14

What training is required to become a Music Therapist?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Music Therapist meets the qualifications and professional standards of the New Zealand registration board.

http://www.musictherapy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2013/02/Registered-Music-Therapist-Standards-of-Practice-2012.pdf 
http://www.musictherapy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2013/02/Code-of-Ethics-2012.pdf

Music Therapy is a 2 year Master’s Degree through New Zealand School of Music in Wellington. To find out more go to: http://www.musictherapy.org.nz/training/ 
 
Please note: People do call themselves Music Therapists and they do not have the right training or registration. We would suggest asking them about their training – and to be sure ask if they are registered.
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