Music therapy centre

Building relationships, connection & communication through the journey of music

Well-being through music with qualified professionals

"Music Therapy is the planned use of music to assist the healing and personal growth of people with identified emotional, intellectual, physical or social needs." Musictherapy.org.nz

Music Therapy differs from music tuition as its objective and focus is to improve a person's life, emotions, self-expression and social skills using music as the tool for connection and relationship. A Music Therapist practices holistically, examining the whole client and their place in the world.

Music therapy for seniors
Colette Jansen is a New Zealand–registered Music Therapist who specialises in working with older adults to support health, wellbeing, and connection through music. At NCMA she leads two programmes: NelSONG Wellness Singers, a singing group designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, memory, and communication, and foster community without the pressure of performance; and the Ronnie Gardiner Method: Exercise Your Brain, a rhythm-based course that enhances balance, coordination, concentration, and speech while stimulating multiple areas of the brain.

With her professional training and warm, engaging approach, Colette provides safe and enjoyable opportunities for seniors to experience the therapeutic benefits of music—supporting both individual wellbeing and a sense of shared community.
Music therapy for children - The Nest
Emma Matthews is a New Zealand–registered Music Therapist and early childhood teacher, with clinical experience since 2009. She founded Emma Makes Music in 2022 to bring music therapy into specialist education and early intervention settings across Aotearoa.

In partnership with NCMA, Emma leads The Nest, a paediatric music therapy service on Collingwood Street. Using evidence-based practice, Emma creates a safe and creative space where tamariki can explore emotions, build relationships, and develop essential skills through music—without pressure for words or musical ability.

Emma often works alongside whānau, educators, and allied professionals as part of a wider team, ensuring consistency and support across home, school, and therapy settings. Her integrated approach, combined with her warmth and creativity, helps children grow in confidence, communication, and wellbeing.

Check out 'The Nest'

How to access music therapy

Music therapy is an Allied Health profession and is now offered at NCMA. Possibilities include:

You can take part in adult therapy sessions by joining the NelSONG Wellness Singers or the Ronnie Gardiner Method groups, or you may choose individual sessions with a therapist by completing the registration form below.
Children’s individual and group therapy sessions are bookable at The Nest.

Once we have received your enquiry form we will be able to advise you of the costs of Music Therapy.

All music therapists are qualified

In New Zealand all registered music therapists hold a Masters degree, relevant undergraduate degrees, and have specialised experience in the field of music therapy. New Zealand Registered Music therapists adhere to the ethical obligations set by the governing body Music Therapy New Zealand Registration Board MThNZ.

There has been a large amount of research conducted into Music Therapy and its benefits. Voices is a world forum for music therapy and contains a large number of interesting articles relating to this.

How to access music therapy

Music therapy is an Allied Health profession and is now available at NCMA. You can register by completing the form below, and our team will guide you towards the most suitable option for your needs. You may choose to:

Join a group session – such as NelSONG Wellness Singers or the Ronnie Gardiner Method: Exercise Your Brain.
Access individual paediatric music therapy through The Nest.

Once we receive your enquiry form, we’ll be in touch to confirm availability, provide further details, and advise you of the costs.

All music therapists are qualified

In New Zealand all registered music therapists hold a Masters degree, relevant undergraduate degrees, and have specialised experience in the field of music therapy. New Zealand Registered Music therapists adhere to the ethical obligations set by the governing body Music Therapy New Zealand Registration Board MThNZ.

There has been a large amount of research conducted into Music Therapy and its benefits. Voices is a world forum for music therapy and contains a large number of interesting articles relating to this.