At the foundation of my practice is the strong belief that at the core of every person is boundless potential. Everyone is affected by music in a way that is unique to them. The smallest response or change could be someones greatest expression and that is what drives me in my business each day. Since 2015, Core Music Therapy strives to provide professional and intuitive music therapy services to multiple populations throughout Calgary and it’s surrounding area.
FOUNDER & MUSIC THERAPIST
MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
MUSIC LESSONS
Elle uses a well-rounded approach with her students and aims to increase the students confidence level and appreciation for music through the learning process.
ELLE MCANDREWS, MTA
Elle is a native Calgarian who studied classical piano during her undergraduate studies and went on to pursue her Music Therapy degree at Capilano University in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Her studies included counselling, improvisation, music theory, analytical music therapy, psychology and medical music therapy. Elle has completed her level II training in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and has experience facilitating groups in the method. Elle is an accredited music therapist (MTA) in Canada, and a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) in the United States. Elle is a member of the Music Therapy association of Alberta, and the Canadian Association of Music Therapy. Advocacy is an important aspect of her career and in the past Elle was the Alberta representative for the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund from 2014-2016. She became the Calgary representative for Music Heals in 2015, a non profit organization that raises money for Music Therapy Programs across Canada. Elle has experience working with children who experience early signs of autism and developmental delay, special needs children in the Calgary public, private and catholic school systems, youth at risk, adults with brain injury, mental illness including depression and anxiety, and geriatric populations who are living with dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinson’s Disease and other aged-related illnesses.
Fill out this form if you are interested in learning more about music therapy or would like to inquire about recieving lessons.
Music is beneficial for enhancing your baby’s development:
- Music encourages bonding between mother and baby
- Music supports receptive and expressive language development
- Music encourages self-expression
- Music supports the development of listening skills
- Music can increase a child’s ability to relax and feel calm
- Music aids in awareness of the body, space, and others
- Music aids in cognitive development
- Music aids in fine and gross motor movement development
Moms and babies interact/play alongside the therapist in a group setting. The therapist encourages a hands-on approach with mom and baby. Repetition combined with rhythm is important for a child’s acquisition of new skills. We will be singing songs and moving and grooving throughout the 8 weeks! Instruments and visual props will be provided.
Please note that Dad’s are welcome too!
Cost $16 per class ($128 for 8 weeks), $20 drop in**, additional siblings are $80. Cash, cheque or e-transfer are accepted forms of payment. Classes are 1 hour in duration.
**Drop-ins welcome, however please let me know 1 day prior to attendance!
Check back for dates and times!
Individual Lessons
Current offerings are beginner piano, guitar and voice.
Adapted Music Lessons
Individuals with disabilities can learn to play a musical instrument through the use of adaptive techniques. The therapist supports the client’s learning process by tailoring the lesson to client specific needs.
Virtual Lessons
Lessons are adapted to an online format and often require a parent or guardian to be present (dependent on age). Current offerings are beginner piano, and guitar. Currently using the Zoom platform.
Vocal Lessons
Elle trains in the Wilson Method (Edmonton), and with Carol-Lynne Quinn (Vancouver) and uses these experiences in addition to her music therapy background to tailor a vocal program for individuals. Elle focus is on vocal health, strength and freedom of expression. Ages 7 and up.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music as a therapeutic means to address cognitive, emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs.
Music therapy is delivered by an accredited music therapist with the goal of improving quality of life for those who are well and to meet the needs of those living with disabilities or illnesses.
What does a music therapist do?
A music therapist’s clinical work involves delivering an assessment of the client through medical or educational records, speaking with family or guardians, and observing client responses to music. The therapist then creates a treatment program that is specific to the client’s needs and responses. After implementing the program for a period of time, the therapist must then evaluate whether the treatment program may be modified or changed at this point if needed. The treatment program ends when the client has met their specific goals, they are discharged from an institution, or music therapy is no longer of benefit to the client.
Who is music therapy for?
Music therapy is for everyone. It has been proven in institutional, community and private practice settings to enhance the well-being of multiple populations.
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Autism and other Pervasive Development Disabilities
- Critical Care
- Developmental Disabilities
- Emotional Traumas
- Geriatric Care
- Hearing Impairments
- Mental Health
- Neonatal Care
- Obstetrics
- Oncology
- Pain Control
- Palliative Care
- Personal Growth
- Physical Disabilities
- Speech and Language Impairments
- Substance Abuse
- Victims of Abuse
- Visual Impairments
- Youth at Risk