Music Therapy

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. A music therapist will start by assessing all domains of a person's life: emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills. Your music therapist will work with you to establish goals and objectives as a part of the treatment planning process, including ongoing evaluation and follow up. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapists address client needs through a variety of tools or interventions including music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.

Music therapy can benefit any person living with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, depression/anxiety/bi-polar disorders, chronic pain, substance use disorders, PTSD or other traumas, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, & traumatic brain injury. This list is not conclusive. If you feel you, a loved one, or patient could benefit from music therapy, contact us for an assessment to find out if music therapy will benefit your goals.

No! No formal music training or prior music experience is necessary to engage in and benefit from music therapy.

Music therapy services are available in your home (so long as it is within 30 minutes from Carnegie, PA), in our therapy center located at 1 Veterans Way, Suite 200, Carnegie PA, or in a contracted location such as a school, hospital or assisted living facility. Music therapy sessions can be offered in group or individual modalities. With the expansion of our practice including a new on-site facility, we are looking forward to offering a variety of group music therapy sessions in the near future!

Unfortunately, insurance does not typically cover the cost of music therapy sessions. There are other funding sources available if you're unable to pay out of pocket for the services. Music Therapy can also be covered under the PA Waiver System. Please contact us for more information about costs and payment options.

Music education or a music class focuses on developing musical skills. Curriculums for music education utilize standards of music competency such as rhythm reading and vocal technique and an understanding of musical processes. Music classes maintain a foundation of achieving educational success while exposing students to many different types of music and the theory behind the music. Someone who teaches a music class typically has a bachelors degree and teaching certification in music education. What someone learns through a music class is not the same as the skills learned and worked on during a music therapy session. Music therapy works on achieving therapeutic goals such as improving motor function, building communication skills, and emotional regulation by using music as a tool to achieve those goals. Like talk therapy, music therapy is for any person of any age/ability and is available in individual and group environments. Music therapists utilize tools such as instrument play, song writing, lyric analysis, and motor movement. Music Therapists are trained to constantly adapt experiences based on the needs of the client within the session. Music therapy highlights the practice of client-centered therapy. This means that all goals, experiences, and materials are selected to best meet a client’s needs.

Elizabeth(Liz) Ambrose is a graduate of Slippery Rock University's Music Therapy program and has been a board-certified music therapist for two years. Liz's approaches in music therapy practice draw from influences of trauma-informed care, intersectional feminist theory, humanistic theory, and person-centered theory. She is currently finishing up her Masters in Music Therapy at Slippery Rock University under Dr. Susan Hadley, as well as completing additional curriculum to gain her professional licensure in counseling (LPC). Liz has also taught private piano lessons for six years now with various Pittsburgh music schools as well as through her own studio. She has served as a piano accompanist and music director in over twenty shows through organizations such as Ambridge High School Musical Theatre, The Strand Theatre, The Red Barn Theatre, Iron Horse Theatre, and Slippery Rock University. Outside of making music, Liz enjoys spending time with her cats, hiking, attending arts festivals, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Miranda Murphy is a Board Certified Music Therapist and received her degree in music therapy from Seton Hill University. Over Miranda's five years as a practicing music therapist she has worked with children/adolescents in day programs and schools, residential therapeutic facilities, acute psych care, and in-home treatment. Miranda has also worked with adults in drug and alcohol treatment and in home geriatric care. Miranda is always willing to delve into various diagnosis and modes of treatment to best support clients to reach their full potential. Her experience in autism support, mental health care, and human development allow her the understanding of choice and flexibility within treatment. Through Three Rivers, Miranda hopes to embody the goals of "Providing Individuals the Care They Deserve". Lindsay Malloy is a board-certified music therapist with an undergraduate degree in music therapy from Slippery Rock University. Prior to graduation, she completed her 900 hour internship at a residential facility with adults with severe intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and at childcare centers throughout the Pittsburgh area. In her practice, Lindsay has developed a person-centered approach to music therapy, with a feminist lens, and promotion of autonomy and self-expression. Apart from music therapy, Lindsay works as a direct support professional with Three Rivers to promote community inclusion and building relationships with members of the community. Aside from her work at Three Rivers, Lindsay loves crocheting, watching TV, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends and family. Lindsay is excited to be a part of the Three Rivers team!