Music therapy in Orange County and online
Music therapy that meets you where you are.
Board certified music therapists helping children, teens, adults, and older adults grow in communication, movement, memory, and emotional wellbeing. Every session is built around the person, and it still feels like music.
Santa Ana center · Schools and care facilities · Online
growing at every ageyou are not alone
When words are hard, music can help.
Maybe your toddler is not talking yet. Maybe your teen is carrying more stress than they can say. Maybe a parent is recovering from a stroke, or living with memory loss. Progress can feel slow, and therapy can feel like one more appointment.
Music reaches the brain in many ways at once. Rhythm helps the body move, melody helps words come, and a favorite song can calm a hard moment. Our therapists use that to work on real goals, in a way clients actually look forward to.
what it is
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an established, evidence based health profession. A credentialed music therapist uses music experiences like singing, playing, moving, and songwriting to reach each client's individual goals within a caring therapeutic relationship.
No musical experience is needed. Because music activates many parts of the brain together, several goals can be worked on in the same session.
naming big feelingswho we help
Find the right support
From first words to healthy aging, we shape every program around the person in front of us.
Early childhood
Ages 0 to 3Playful sessions that build early communication, attention, and social connection.
Learn moreAutism and developmental disabilities
All agesNeuro affirming support for communication, regulation, and independence.
Learn moreMental health
Kids, teens, adultsA safe, creative way to process feelings, manage anxiety, and build coping skills.
Learn moreNeurologic music therapy
Teens and adultsRhythm and music to rebuild speech, movement, and thinking after stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s.
Learn moreDementia and memory care
Older adultsFamiliar music that sparks memory, connection, and calm for individuals and groups.
Learn morePitch discrimination
Ages 10 and upStructured listening programs that build pitch and tone pattern skills.
Learn moreSchool and IEP services
For school districtsAssessment and music therapy as a related service on a student’s IEP.
Learn moreOnline music therapy
From the comfort of homeLive video sessions led by our board certified music therapists.
Learn moreNot sure where to start? Start with a conversation.
Tell us what is going on. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right program, even if that ends up being somewhere else.
how it works
Getting started is simple
Say hi
Fill out the short form or call us. Tell us a little about who the sessions are for.
Meet with us
A first conversation with Lety, our founder and music therapist, to understand your needs and goals.
Assessment
A music therapy assessment session to see strengths, needs, and what music clicks.
Begin sessions
Weekly sessions of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, with goals and progress you can see.
and we walk with you the whole way
inside a session
What do sessions look like?
Every session is different, because every client is. Here are some of the experiences your therapist may use.
Singing
Builds breath, speech, and language, from first sounds to full sentences.
Playing instruments
Builds coordination, focus, and turn taking.
Music games
Practice connection, sharing, and thinking skills through play.
Songwriting
Express feelings, share your story, and build planning and organizing skills by writing a song together.
Movement and sensory regulation
Rhythm and movement that help the body feel calm and organized, and guide walking, reaching, and balance.
Listening and relaxation
Calming music that can help lower cortisol (a stress hormone), ease stress and anxiety, and calm the nervous system.
our team
Board certified, and big on heart.
Our music therapists hold the MT-BC credential from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. They are skilled musicians and trained clinicians who are patient, playful, and tuned in. We also train the next generation through our music therapy internship.
our music therapistswhat families tell us
Progress you can hear
“My son has a lot of medical complexities and he LOVES music therapy with Miss Sophie. She does a phenomenal job of incorporating things we are working on in other therapies into their music sessions. Sophie always meets him right where he is and brings out so much fun.”
“Music is so therapeutic and the best way to engage my daughter (CP, autism, epilepsy). They took on her unique challenges and helped encourage and mentor her to continue to thrive in her music, but also in her related motor skills. She even participates in recitals, which showcase all the students’ unique abilities and create pride in a community that can feel so overwhelming.”
“My son’s instructor, Ms. Carrie, has endless patience and a deep understanding of my son’s needs. She has been beyond helpful in helping my son slow his body down. My son looks forward to his weekly lessons and we can see the difference music therapy is making.”
“My son has a weekly schedule of various classes and programs, but by far, his favorite is coming to OC Music Services, where he feels he can express himself through music and the comfort of trusting Miss Carrie.”
“We’ve seen an outstanding increase in non-verbal communication, subvocalization, rhythm, and dexterity. Jessica absolutely loves working with Lety and always finishes her class with a huge smile.”
“We are so pleased that we found OC Music Services! Our son looks forward to his sessions and so do we. Every session is a positive experience despite his struggles and limitations. Such a gift!”
come on in
Let’s talk about music therapy.
Call (949) 591-3875 or tell us a little below. We will reach out to you as soon as possible.
“This is the only therapy my son will participate in. Carrie has taken the time to know him, what he responds well to, and what his triggers are. I’d recommend OC Music Services to anyone.”
Questions about music therapy
Do we need a diagnosis or referral?
No. Many clients come with a diagnosis, and many do not. We start with your goals and an assessment.
Who provides the sessions?
Board certified music therapists (MT-BC). Interns may assist under the supervision of a board certified music therapist.
Does my child or loved one need to be musical?
Not at all. Music therapy is about the goals, not musical talent. Everyone can take part.
How long are sessions?
30, 45, or 60 minutes, usually once a week. We will recommend a length after the assessment.
Where do sessions happen?
At our Santa Ana center near The District in Tustin, at schools and care facilities, or online.
How is music therapy different from music lessons?
Lessons focus on learning an instrument. Music therapy uses music to reach non musical goals like communication, movement, memory, or emotional regulation, and is led by a credentialed music therapist.
How do we pay for music therapy?
Most families pay privately. Ask us about other options for your situation.
Do you work with schools and care facilities?
Yes. We contract with school districts, senior communities, and care facilities for individual and group sessions. Contact us to talk about a partnership.
Music therapy is not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.