Music Therapy
Using music to support therapeutic goals and emotional expression.
Music therapy offers an expressive artform for children and families working toward growth. No matter your past experience with music, (or even your preference!) for those who find it difficult to communicate with words, music offers a beautiful alternative.
Our board-certified music therapist offers all kinds of ways to engage—from listening, to improvising, to singing, playing, writing songs, and more. For clients in many of our service areas, Music Therapy supports participant’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Sessions are client-led and can shift week to week, depending on your child’s needs, interests, and goals.
We collaborate closely with caregivers and care teams to ensure music therapy is not only therapeutically effective, but deeply personal and impactful. Whether it’s building connection, reducing isolation, or developing new coping skills, music can be a powerful tool for change.
2+ years
1 hour a week
Minnetonka Center
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Eligibility:
Diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Disorder, Anxiety & Depression.
To ensure a safe and meaningful experience, participants should be able to engage in music therapy with support that aligns with the therapist’s role and responsibilities. While music therapy is tailored to each individual, individuals in group settings thrive when they can participate safely within a 1:2 or 1:3 staff-to-client ratio—allowing for connection, creativity, and growth in a supportive environment.
Payment/Funding:
DD/CADI Waiver – Traditional (ILS Therapies – Individual Therapy) or Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS)
Private Pay
Meet Maddie
Maddie Johnson has dedicated her entire professional career to St. David's and created the music therapy program centered around connection and growth. Along with her board-certification, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Augsburg University. She practices developmental, music-centered music therapy that draws on the innate musicality and unique strengths of each individual. Maddie values each therapeutic relationship she builds with clients and families and is excited to continue to work with the community.
What Families Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Music therapy is a research-supported, client-centered form of therapy that uses music to support emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. A board-certified music therapist guides each session based on the participant’s strengths, needs, and goals—no musical background is required.
Music Therapy cannot billed to insurance. Funding sources include DD/CADI waiver (Traditional or CDCS) or Private Pay.
Music therapy is a great fit for individuals looking to strengthen communication, emotional regulation, focus, memory, or social interaction. It’s especially helpful for those who have difficulty expressing themselves with words.
Not at all. You don’t need to sing, play an instrument, or have any musical knowledge to benefit. Our therapists create a safe, responsive space where music becomes a tool for connection, not performance.
Sessions are personalized and client-led, which means they’ll look different for each person. Some may involve playing instruments, singing, writing songs, listening to or discussing music, improvising, or using music in play-based ways. The therapist works with each participant to create a meaningful, motivating experience that supports therapeutic growth.
Music therapy can help improve emotional regulation, decision-making, focus, social flexibility, and communication. It also supports positive self-expression, confidence, and well-being—and can reduce feelings of anxiety, frustration, and isolation.