Tune In Music Therapy
Lyzz Zinn, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapy
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” ― Victor Hugo.
*Names are changed to protect confidentiality
Music helped Ellen* build her self-esteem
Ellen worried all the time that she was different. She felt she could never quite fit in anywhere she went. She was constantly questioning herself and her actions, feeling a persistent sense that there was something wrong with her, that she was wrong. When she tried to open her mouth to speak, something was always in the way - she couldn't find her words, the right volume, her voice.
But she loved music. And even though she said she couldn't play, couldn't sing, couldn't write, she would come to music therapy and try. She was scared, but she tried.
She sang songs with her therapist that expressed her feelings, started vocalizing and putting into lyrics and sounds how she felt there was something wrong with her. Slowly the walls around her voice that had been blocking her from expressing herself began to fall. She started saying how proud she was of herself for learning a song. Then for writing a song. And then for performing it in front of the peers she feared would reject her.
Music continued to be a support for Ellen as she developed her values, affirmed her queer identity, and began to truly know herself. Through music, Ellen began to find her sense of self, her confidence, her voice.
Music helped Michael* learn to express himself and find calm
When 6-year-old Michael started therapy, he could barely speak in full sentences let alone express how he was feeling in words. But he loved to drum and loud. Like all the thoughts and feelings he couldn't get out through his words came out in the drum.
As loud and fast as he liked to drum, by the end of his therapy session, Michael was calmer. He walked slowly, looking up and smiling at others, even saying hello.
Eventually he began singing with his therapist while drumming. His words became clearer. He could form full sentences. He could identify how he was feeling with words and music. He could express himself in ways he never could before.
Music helped Cara* through her depression and anxiety
33-year-old Cara had no motivation, no energy, no good feelings she could identify, except when she was singing or listening to music. Her music could say what she wasn't able to. It felt what she was feeling. It meant that she wasn't alone.
When she sang, the vibrations she felt in her body were comforting. When she sang with her therapist, she wasn't alone. The feelings she couldn't express to others could be held by her music and her music therapist.
Weekly music therapy helped Cara express herself, calm her body, organize her thoughts, and gave her moments of joy and connection that she was missing otherwise.
Music Therapy FAQs
What is music therapy?
Music is universal. It helps us move, connect, express, and heal - even without words. Music therapy uses this natural power to support emotional and psychological growth. It’s not about performance or perfection - it’s about using music as a bridge to self-understanding, regulation, and connection.
Why music?
You probably already use music to help yourself - when you need energy, calm, focus, or when words just don’t cut it. A music therapist helps you deepen that connection with intention, creativity, and care. Together, we use music to tune into your inner world, uncover new insights, and create meaningful change.
What happens in music therapy?
Every session is different because every person is different. You might sing, play instruments, write songs, improvise, or simply listen. We follow your comfort level and curiosity. No musical training is needed - just a willingness to explore
Music is for everyone
Music therapy can benefit children, adolescents, and adults.
In our work together, music therapy can facilitate healing as you tune in to yourself, your feelings and your unconscious mind.
With music you are never alone. Let's create new experiences together.