Southern Music Therapy

Southern Music Therapy We are a practice that specialises in using music to improve individuals' quality of life. Who is Music Therapy for? Improving communication e.g.

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. Music therapy uses the expressive elements of music as the primary means of interaction between therapist and client. Whatever your ability everyone can appreciate and respond to music and sound. Music therapists work with individuals

and groups and the methods vary according to the setting, clients needs and the theoretical approach of the music therapist. Music Therapists work with children and adults of all age ranges and needs, including those with learning disabilities, physical, emotional and psychological disorders and sensory impairments. Music Therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, special schools, day centre’s, within communities, rehabilitation units and in private practice. Music Therapy and Neurological Disorder

Music is processed in many parts of the brain, which makes it an excellent tool for people living with a neurological disorder such as an acquired brain injury, Stroke, Huntington's, Parkinson's. Individual and group programmes are devised for assessment, neuro-rehabilitation, and to enhance quality of life. Typical reasons for referral
A person with a neuro-disability may require music therapy for maintenance and improvement of skills including:
Physical skills
Cognition and thinking skills
Emotional expression
Communication skills
Relating to others
Reducing stress, tension and anxiety


Music Therapy for someone living with a neurological disorder is effective in:

Facilitating self-expression and enhancing identity. Improving engagement and motivation to participate
Building confidence and improving mood. by making speech easier to understand through enhancing breath control, volume and articulation with singing. Extending movement and physical co-ordination

Aspire Canterbury  Next Steps is back for 2026!Join Kim & Gemma from Southern Music Therapy 🎶🥁🎵📍Parakiore Recreation Cen...
27/07/2026

Aspire Canterbury Next Steps is back for 2026!

Join Kim & Gemma from Southern Music Therapy 🎶🥁🎵

📍Parakiore Recreation Centre - 50 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central
🕙10am - 4pm
🗓 25th August 2026

You can find out more https://www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz/events



We look forward to seeing you there!

11/07/2026

Thank you P!nk- love your music, your spirit and
Advocacy for Music Therapy.

Love this project! Thanks Jen, CSO and Burnside High.
07/07/2026

Love this project! Thanks Jen, CSO and Burnside High.

06/07/2026

SMT School holiday program is coming soon on 14th July at Braintree Wellness Centre

Beat Buddies - numbers reached, officially closed!
Groove Crew - 3 spaces remaining!
Youth Rhythms - open!

Learn from our therapists on what happened in the program and register through our website https://www.smt.nz/newsandevents

See you soon!

Misconceptions that we comeAcross every week.
04/07/2026

Misconceptions that we come
Across every week.

This week, Esther Simpson, NZRMTh is heading to Bologna, Italy!  Esther will be presenting some case studies at the Worl...
30/06/2026

This week, Esther Simpson, NZRMTh is heading to Bologna, Italy! Esther will be presenting some case studies at the World Congress of Music Therapy 2026 🍕🎉

Esther will present 3 titles discussing “Group Music Therapy” in Christchurch. The presentations are in collaboration with her colleague, Renata Kuswanto, NZRMTh. Both Esther and Renata realised the emerging benefits of group settings and how groups shape the identities of the members and how this is essential in creating micro-communities in supporting the social well-being needs of our clients.

1st Presentation: “United in music: Facilitating groups as part of multi-disciplinary team”
2nd Presentation: “United in music: Developing and nurturing group facilitation skills”
3rd Poster presentation: “United in music: Group identity”

This is a HUGE step in advocacy and education for Music Therapy as an evidence-based practice. Southern Music Therapy is incredibly proud of both Esther & Renata as they embark on this once in a life-time opportunity! Esther will attend in person (while Renata & the team cheer from NZ) representing Southern Music Therapy and music therapy in New Zealand to the global audience.

If you would like to find out more about our groups you can do so via our website www.smt.nz/group-work or email us [email protected].

Go May! Feature and interview with Compass FM. If you'd like to know more about the North Canterbury Cantabrainers Choir...
24/06/2026

Go May! Feature and interview with Compass FM. If you'd like to know more about the North Canterbury Cantabrainers Choir then have a listen, or better yet come to our concert next week.
📍 North Canterbury Concert
🗓 Tuesday 30 June | 1.30pm–3.00pm
📍 Woodend Community Centre
https://events.humanitix.com/cantabrainers-choir.../tickets
🎟 Tickets $10 | Includes afternoon or morning tea after the concert.
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
📍 City Concert
🗓 Wednesday 1 July | 10.00am–11.45am
📍 John Rhind Chapel, Richmond
https://events.humanitix.com/cantabrainers-choir.../tickets

Address

70 Langdons Road
Christchurch
8042

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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