Music Therapy Program

Music activates, inspires, and stimulates emotional expression. Music relaxes, calms the nervous system and is helpful in restoring internal balance. Music connects us to ourselves and to others. Music is life affirming. The developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist. The Conservatory’s Music Therapy Program offers the services of master’s degree level, certified music therapists with New York State creative arts licenses. These professionals are trained multi-instrumentalists with specialties that include psychology, special education and other related fields.

Come sing with us! BKCM Music Therapy is hosting a Singing With Confidence workshop for music therapists with our director, Toby Williams, on Nov. 13, and a Singing Circle open to all on Nov. 14.

11/13 Workshop
11/14 Singing Circle
Enrollment & FINANCIAL AID
Our Faculty
Internships
FaQ’s

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is an evidence-based clinical discipline where music is used to effect positive change and foster creative expression in children and adults. In addition to achieving clinical goals and improving social functioning of those with different abilities, Music Therapy provides people with opportunities to expand their lives and explore issues through creative expression.

Music Therapy News

THE BKCM MUSIC THERAPY INSTITUTE

In the fall of 2026, BKCM is expanding – and launching a new Music Therapy Institute! The institute will work to advance the field of clinical creative arts therapies in NYC and nationally through workforce training, research, and advocacy.

LEARN MORE

MUSIC THERAPY ON NEWS12

This beautiful segment on News12’s “Rebuilding Brooklyn” is about BKCM’s expansion project, but its also about about Danielle’s incredible journey as a vocalist and performer in BKCM’s music therapy program, alongside her music therapist Hannah.

WATCH THE VIDEO

NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE

A recent Sunday New York Times article provides an in-depth look at our music therapists’ work with children at a shelter in Brooklyn – one of over 50 community-based organizations we partner with to provide music therapy across New York City.

LEARN MORE

Music Therapy Programs

ON-SITE MUSIC THERAPY

In music therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.

All music therapy sessions at BKCM are registered by semester and run for 15 weeks. Sessions are scheduled on an individual basis to best meet the needs of clients and their families. Clients may register up to 10 weeks into a semester and pay a prorated tuition based upon the remaining weeks in the semester.

Inquire about Availability
2025-26 prices
Program Policies
Students in a classroom during a group music therapy session

OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS

BKCM’s Music Therapy Outreach Program serves over 2700 folks across over 50 sites in all five boroughs. Each program is unique in response to the variety of communities, strengths, challenges, and goals of the partner site and participants. We provide music therapy services to public and private schools, developmental preschools, social service agencies and shelters, memory care units, and adult day hab programs. Each program is set up individually depending on what works for the site, what particular skills and client population experience is needed, and what financial arrangement is possible.

If you are interested in setting up a music therapy program at your site, don’t hesitate to contact Dannyele Crawford, BKCM Music Therapy Outreach Coordinator, at dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org.

Music Therapy Testimonials

To view more testimonials, swipe right or left.

Full 1
“I can’t say enough how much we love the Music Therapy program at BKCM! Charlotte has been in it since nearly the beginning of the program and it has been a huge part of helping her become the amazing young woman she is today. Even aside from the excellent therapists, supportive staff, and personal music education, music therapy has broadened our community and given us deep and enduring friendships.”

– MELINDA BURKE, ONSITE MUSIC THERAPY PARENT
Full 1
Full 1
“Some of my students were not talking in my classroom. After a few sessions of music therapy, they started to relax and communicate with the staff. What they like to do during the time. Which song or instrument was their favorite. Their voice was being heard and respected.”

– PS 396@323 CLASSROOM TEACHER
Full 1
Full 1
“Our son has been part of the music therapy program at BKCM for about four years now. He has a rare genetic disorder and a significant intellectual disability. Through music, that seems to fade away. While nonverbal, he “sings” with a musicality that feels like a key to language for him. He plays the piano, guitar, and drums and is able to express himself. His therapist has a beautiful connection with Asher and plays his favorite songs, from Broadway to Moana to pop. We have seen his communication skills and independence grow, and believe that the joy he experiences at BKCM and the relationship he has built are a big contributor.”

– JAMIE, MUSIC THERAPY PARENT
Full 1
Full 1
“Some students who used to be nonverbal are now using more words and can even respond with “Yes” and “No” answers. I have seen improvement on my students on their language skills and social skills.”

– HEARTSHARE EARLY CHILDHOOD FIRSTSTEP CLASSROOM TEACHER
Full 1
Full 1
“One of my students used to only listen to music on iPad now he enjoys playing the instruments and listening to the instructor sing and play. This student enjoys music therapy so much that he is starting to show interest instruments like the guitar, he is even trying a few strokes. That is a huge improvement for a student that is very rigid with his routines.”

– REACH FOR THE STARS LEARNING CENTER CLASSROOM TEACHER
Full 1
Full 1
“My five-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus looks forward to her music therapy class weekly. It’s an amazing space where she can just be herself. Some days, she’s a singer and dancer; other times she explores the instruments. I have seen her confidence increase and her ability to transition improve tremendously. We have had different therapists throughout the years, and they have all been kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. We are grateful to have a very special place like BKCM.”

– MUSIC THERAPY PARENT
Full 1
previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Enrollment Information

To enroll in our Music Therapy program, families must first schedule a consultation with our faculty. Please email Marie Lewis (marie.lewis@bkcm.org) to inquire.

Our department head:

Toby Williams, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Music Therapy Program Director

718-622-3300 ext. 216 | toby.williams@bkcm.org

For our outreach programs:

Dannyele Crawford, MS, LCAT, MT-BC

Music Therapy Outreach Program Coordinator

dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org

For our on-site programs:

Marie Lewis, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Onsite Clinical Coordinator

718-622-3300 ext. 212 | marie.lewis@bkcm.org

For our events:

Hannah Hershman, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Community Coordinator

hannah.hershman@bkcm.org

Financial Aid & Program Costs

Financial aid is available! If you’d like to apply now, please submit your application here.

If you have any questions regarding financial aid, email kris.mandapat@bkcm.org. 

2025-26 program costs
financial aid application

Music Therapy Faculty

Internships & Field Work

Music Therapy Internship and Fieldwork / Practicum Opportunities at BKCM!

BKCM has been a training ground for students enrolled in AMTA-approved, university programs in music therapy at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. We only accept students enrolled as music therapy majors, whether at the undergraduate or master’s degree level. We have partnered with NYU, Berklee College of Music, Montclair University, Molloy College, SUNY New Paltz, Slippery Rock University and Howard University.

Our internship application process for the 2025-2026 school year has closed. 

Applications for internship/fieldwork applications closed on March 21st, 2025. To prepare for next year, click here to download the application.

Please email our Community Coordinator, hannah.hershman@bkcm.org with any questions or for more information.

download Application
Internship Fact Sheet

NY TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT BKCM MUSIC THERAPY

A recent Sunday Times article provides an in-depth look at our music therapists’ impactful work with children at a shelter in Brooklyn, one of over 40 community-based music therapy sites across New York City.

Read the Article