UIndy opens Music Therapy Center to serve the community

The University of Indianapolis has opened a new Music Therapy Center designed to expand access to music therapy services in Central Indiana while also providing hands-on clinical training opportunities for UIndy students.

The center offers individualized music therapy services for people of all ages and abilities, to work on skills to enhance their lives. All services are supervised by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and may be led by an advanced music therapy student completing their clinical training.

“There is a real need for music therapy providers across Indianapolis,” said Amy Foley, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC and director of music therapy at the University of Indianapolis. “Children and adults can face long waitlists and limited availability in settings with fewer music therapists. By opening the Music Therapy Center, we are able to expand access to this creative arts therapy and help meet a critical community need.”

Foley has seen music therapy help individuals of all ages and with a wide range of needs, from managing stress and anxiety and enhancing communication skills to coping with grief and supporting physical rehabilitation.

Music therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long and held weekly for a minimum of one semester or approximately 15 weeks. Each client receives personalized care that includes an initial assessment, the creation of an individualized treatment plan with specific goals and ongoing evaluation of progress. Group sessions may also be offered based on interest.

Depending on the individual’s goals, music therapy may include methods such as improvising music with instruments, recreating a song through singing or movement, listening to a song to discuss its meaning or writing an original song. Musical training is not required—participants simply need to be willing to engage with music as a tool for growth and healing. 

“There is often a misconception about what music therapy is and how it works,” said Foley. “Music therapists work with each individual to get to know their musical preferences to incorporate styles of music that would be meaningful to support the therapy progression. Typically, music therapy is an active process where the participant engages in music-making and creation. The brain is uniquely motivated by music and processes the music signal in many areas of the brain simultaneously, increasing the effectiveness and potential of music therapy as an avenue for wellness.”

In addition to expanding community access, the Center also serves as an important clinical training site for UIndy music therapy students who must complete their required practicum hours. Having the Music Therapy Center on campus allows students quick access to quality training and provides opportunities for future interdisciplinary engagement with other similar majors across UIndy. Music therapy sessions are also available during the summer months.

The Music Therapy Center is housed within UIndy’s Community Music Academy which provides private lessons and summer programs to nurture music passions for students of all ages and abilities. The Music Therapy Center operates on a fee-based model with need-based scholarships available to those who qualify. At this time, it is not able to accept the Medicaid waiver for payment.

More information about services and scholarships is available on the UIndy Music Therapy Center webpage. Individuals interested in services can visit the Music Therapy Center registration page to begin the enrollment process.