Top Music Therapy Services in Singapore

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based type of treatment in which music interventions are used to accomplish individualised goals. The treatment focuses on using music within a therapeutic relationship with a certified professional to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of the individual. 

After the music therapist assesses the strengths and needs for each individual, he or she will decide on the appropriate music treatment. This could include creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. By involving these individuals in this music-creation within the therapeutic context, it helps to strengthen the individual’s abilities and ultimately, benefit them in other areas of their lives. 

Music therapy also provides a communication avenue for individuals who find it difficult to express themselves or their feelings in words.

How did music therapy come about?

Music has long been practised before the times of Beethovan and Mozart. In fact, music therapy is said to have been practised across cultures with varying approaches.

It was only during World War I and World War II that music therapy began to gain more traction and was widely used and accepted. During this time, professional and volunteer musicians would offer their services to the wounded, sick, or mentally ill soldiers that had suffered from trauma as a result of the war. 

In the 1940s, there were three key figures that emerged as innovators of music therapy, namely Willem van de Wall, Ira Altshuler, MD, and E. Thayer Gaston. These three key players were instrumental in the development of music therapy as a recognised clinical profession. Their contributions were key in moving music therapy as a clinical profession forward, transforming music therapy into a recognised type of clinical treatment that is widely practised today. 

Is music therapy the same as sound therapy?

While music therapy and sound therapy may seem similar in nature, each approach has its own goals, tools, and settings. 

Music therapy focuses on addressing key behavioural symptoms, such as pain or stress. On the other hand, sound therapy focuses on using tools to achieve specific sound frequencies which aims to improve one’s emotional and mental well-being. Music therapists usually work in hospitals or private practices, while sound therapists typically offer their services as a complementary or alternative treatment. 

Who is it for?

Music therapy is a highly personalised treatment, which makes it suitable for people of any age group. It is an extremely versatile treatment that offers numerous benefits for people with varied musical experience levels as well as different degrees of mental or physical health challenges.

Research from numerous clinical studies have also shown that music therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders or even cancer. Music therapy can also help people or children with pain, autism, mental health or psychological disorders.

What are the various types of music therapy?

As with other types of therapy, music therapy can be either an active or passive process. Depending on the type of treatment administered by the music therapist, the individual will either play a role in creating the music or simply listen and/or respond to the music. Some music therapists may use a combination of both approaches depending on the diagnosis of the individual.

Here are some of the common approaches used in music therapy:

Analytical music therapy

This type of music therapy involves the individual improvising a musical dialogue to portray a certain feeling or situation with the verbal assistance of the music therapist. It may also involve the individual singing or playing an instrument. The music therapist will use this musical dialogue to explore all possible therapeutic implications. 

Benenzon music therapy

The Benenzon music therapy model is often considered as one of the five most important models of music therapy. It centralises on the idea of searching for one’s “sound identity”, which involves identifying with external sounds that associate most closely with the individual’s internal state of mind.

Cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT)

CMBT is usually used to complement cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of music therapy focuses on three key levels: behavioral issues, cognitive distortions, and underlying causes of eating disorders. It is also often used to help individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Music is used in this structured approach to motivate patients as they embark on their recovery journey. This may include listening to music, dancing, singing or playing an instrument.

Community music therapy

Community music therapy is a relatively new development within the broader music therapy. This type of therapy emphasises on human connectedness, health promotion and social change at a community level. Such a therapy approach takes into account social and community-wide factors. It is conducted within a group and requires high engagement levels from all the group members.

Nordoff-Robbins music therapy

The Nordoff-Robbins approach to music therapy, also referred to as creative music therapy, centers around the belief that everyone can respond to music, regardless of how ill or disabled. This approach involves the use of a musical instrument, often a cymbal or drum, while the music therapist uses an accompanying instrument, to help with self-expression.

The Bonny method of guided imagery and music (GIM)

This type of music therapy involves the use of classical music to stimulate inner experiences. The individual will then explain his or her feelings, thoughts, memories and sensations to the music therapist while listening to the music. The Bonny method of guided imagery and music is often used to help individuals with a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties. It may sometimes be used to complement verbal psychotherapy or serve as an alternative treatment to verbal counselling of psychotherapy.

Vocal psychotherapy

Vocal psychotherapy is defined as the use of breath, sounds, songs and vocal interpretations to promote interpersonal growth and change. This type of therapy is meant to help individuals build a stronger and deeper connection with themselves.

Keen to engage a music therapist? Here are some of the best music therapy services in Singapore

 

Music Therapy Clinic	Association for Music Therapy (Singapore)
Speciality	The professional association for music therapists in Singapore Formally registered with Singapore Registry of Societies on 19 September 2007 and is also an organisational member of the World Federation of Music Therapy since 2009. Their mission is to lead the nation in the progress of Music Therapy as a Regulated Allied Health Profession through education and advocacy
Website	http://musictherapy.org.sg/
Address	View directory here
Contact	musictherapy.sg@gmail.com

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Extraordinary People
Speciality	Established in July 2017 as a registered charity. They enable and support children and individuals with special needs, striving for an inclusive society. Their team consists of all ordinary people who make the conscious decision to go the extra mile. The dot between “Extra” and “Ordinary” in the logo symbolises the heart required to make a difference. The colours in the word “Extra” represent diversity and inclusivity
Website	https://extraordinarypeople.sg/music-therapy/
Address	7500A Beach Rd, #01-313 The Plaza, Singapore 199591
Contact	65 6286 5088 contact@extraordinarypeople.sg
Operating Hours	9a.m. to 6p.m. (Tue – Sat) Closed on Mon, Sun and Public Holidays

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Speciality	Their music therapy services are provided to both the paediatric and women’s patients who are experiencing difficulty during their hospital stay Their therapist are trained to assess, implement, evaluate and document treatment objectives towards measurable non-musical outcomes.
Website	https://www.kkh.com.sg/patient-care/areas-of-care/allied-health-services/Pages/music-therapy.aspx
Address	100 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 229899
Contact	Contact via hotlines / channels here
Operating Hours	24 hours

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Prospect Music Therapy
Speciality	Established as an organisation aimed at promoting research and advocacy in creative arts therapy across all sectors from neonatal to palliative care Prospect Music Therapy also focuses on providing support to community musicians in Singapore working with people with special needs and eldercare, and individuals interested in pursuing music therapy as a career through workshops throughout the year.
Website	http://www.prospectmusictherapy.com/
Contact	evelyn@prospectmusictherapy.com
Operating Hours	Monday – Friday : 8am–6pm Saturday & Sundays by appointment only.

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Singapore General Hospital
Speciality	All music therapists at SGH have a degree from a recognized university, registered or certified by professional music therapy organization from the country of training and are registered members of the Association for Music Therapy (Singapore) Their music therapy addresses various conditions including pain management and rehabilitation
Website	https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-services/Music-and-Creative-Therapy-Unit
Address	Bright Vision Hospital, 5 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547530
Contact	65 6248 4028

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Caregiver Asia
Speciality	CaregiverAsia is an online aggregator of health and caregiving services. Through its award-winning platform, CaregiverAsia has created an online marketplace leveraging on a shared economy of Careseekers and Caregivers. Careseekers can access on-time, trusted and transparent home care services
Website	https://www.caregiverasia.com/services/therapy-art-music?locale=en-SG
Address	51 Goldhill Plaza, #08-08, Singapore 308900
Contact	65 6258 6683 enquiry@caregiverasia.com
Operating Hours	Weekdays: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Con Brio Therapy
Speciality	Jacqueline is the founder of Con Brio Music Therapy, Registered Music Therapist (RMT- Australia), adjunct lecturer of Early Childhood music (NIEC), and certified Music Rhapsody teacher. Her professional practice includes early intervention, special education, pediatric rehabilitation, burns and surgical, and pediatric mental health
Website	https://www.conbriotherapy.com/
Contact	conbriomusictherapy@gmail.com

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Communikidz Therapy
Speciality	Their therapists strive to be partners in every child’s development. They provide therapy services and development support to children aged 0-18 years. They understand that each child is unique – hence, their assessment and goal setting process ensures the child receives exactly what he/ she needs to maximise his/ her potential.
Website	https://www.communikidztherapy.com/
Address	371 Beach Road, Citygate, #02-52, Singapore 199597
Contact	65 8189 1636 say.hello@communikidztherapy.com
Operating Hours	By appointment only

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Therapy Alliance
Speciality	Therapy Alliance has a reliable pool of Passionate Providers and Therapist with expertise in Special Education Teaching, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy
Website	https://www.therapyalliance.com.sg/other-services/
Contact	admin@therapyalliance.com.sg

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Medley Music School
Speciality	Medley Music School’s Applied Behaviour through Music programme is an inclusive group for parents and children of all (dis)abilities 12 years and younger. The group is facilitated by a music therapist who is trained to use music to address communication, interpersonal skills, motor, and cognitive development
Website	https://www.medleymusic.com.sg/
Address	Medley Music School, SAFRA Toa Payoh, 293 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #02-02, Singapore 319387
Contact	6353 4881 or 9129 1658 info@medleymusic.com.sg
Operating Hours	Mon to Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm ​Sat to Sun: 9:00am – 7:00pm

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Creative Play Therapy
Speciality	Marina has empowered children and teenagers through Play Therapy, by assisting them to face their problems by reflecting on their thoughts, feelings and behavior.
Website	http://creativeplaytherapy.sg/
Address	231 Mountbatten Road, Block A, #03-04, Singapore 397999
Contact	97408180 marinalim@creativeplaytherapy.sg

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Summer Therapy Services
Speciality	Works on Sing-To-Talk is the brain child and heart work of Speech Therapist Sum Hui Ting and Music Therapist Jenny Lee. Their Sing-To-Talk is an app that uses songs to improve speech, language and social skills. It was created by a music therapist & speech therapist, with various sing-a-long music videos. It also has interactive activities included.
Website	https://www.summerstherapyservices.com/sing-to-talk/
Address	Block 128 Lor 1 Toa Payoh, #01-835, Singapore 310128
Contact	6597665067 ask@summerstherapyservices.com

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Olive Tree Development Centre
Speciality	Their educational psychologists provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments using clinically proven tests and assessment tools for children who experience a wide range of learning, behavioural or developmental difficulties Some of their services include music therapy, art therapy, and educational therapy
Website	http://olive-tree.sg/services/
Address	179A Thomson Road, 2nd Floor Goldhill Shopping Center, Singapore
Contact	6252 5200

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Drum Prodigy Singapore
Speciality	An inclusive music academy offering Drum Kit, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele classes for all abilities They aim to promote a holistic development through music and movement
Website	https://www.drumprodigy.sg/
Address	620 HOUGANG AVE 8, #01-268, SINGAPORE 530620
Contact	info@drumprodigy.sg 8661 5107
Operating Hours	TUESDAY 2PM – 8.30PM THURSDAY – FRIDAY 10AM – 8.30PM SATURDAY 9AM – 6PM SUNDAY 9AM – 4.30PM​ CLOSED ON MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Faith Music Centre
Speciality	Faith Music Centre was set up in mid-2008 to provide keyboard, piano, guitar (acoustic/ lead/ bass), vocal, drum and ukulele courses. Their learners also include persons with disabilities (PWDs) as a part of our social mission
Website	https://faithmusic.com.sg/
Address	207 Hougang Street 21 Singapore 530207
Contact	Contact via form here

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Thrive Pyschology
Speciality	Thrive Psychology Clinic understands just how to keep children engaged in their therapy and treatment plans with fun, interactive, and engaging therapy sessions that don’t only hold their attention, but they also instil a mindset that mental health conditions aren’t the end-all-be-all
Services	Services: Psychological Assessments (including IQ, adaptive functioning, ADHD, autism, and more) Psychological Therapies (including behavioural, cognitive, neurocognitive, hypnotherapy, VR, music, and more)
Website	https://thrivepsychology.com.sg/services/
Address	101 Irrawaddy Road, Royal Square @ Novena Medical Centre, #17-10 Singapore (329565)
Contact	6962 9753 info@thrivepsychology.com.sg

 

---

Music Therapy Clinic	Therapy Alliance
Speciality	Provides an avenue to recommend people to theit pool of reliable and experienced Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Special Educational Teachers
Website	https://www.therapyalliance.com.sg/
Contact	admin@therapyalliance.com.sg

 

---

Editor’s Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at enquiry@mm.com.sg. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.