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 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

Summer session 2025 prices

OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS

The Music Therapy Outreach Program is available to provide music therapy services to public and private schools, social service agencies, youth and foster care programs, and adult and senior programs across all five New York City boroughs. Our programs are for children and adolescents with special needs or who are at-risk, and adults and seniors with special needs. Programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each school or organization, and can be held at your program location, or on-site at the Brooklyn Campus. 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.

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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, MT-BC, LCAT

Music Therapy Program Director

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

For our outreach programs:

Dannyele Crawford, MS, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Music Therapy Outreach Program Coordinator

dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org

For our on-site programs:

Marie Lewis, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Onsite Clinical Coordinator

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

For our events:

Hannah Hershman, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Lead Music Therapist & Therapist 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 hannah.hershman@bkcm.org with any questions or for more information.

download Application

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