Music Therapy

Laura is a dedicated registered music therapist with over ten years of experience. 

She takes a client-centred approach, prioritising care and family involvement in her practice. Laura is deeply committed to fostering a neuro-affirming environment where children and young people are encouraged to be themselves and explore their creativity through music. She thoughtfully addresses sensory needs, offers communication support, and takes into account environmental factors, special interests, and family preferences in her work.

Laura adopts a holistic approach to music therapy, bringing both skill and passion to her work. She is committed to making a positive impact on her clients' lives through a diverse range of individualised music therapy services. Laura has extensive experience working with autistic individuals, ADHDer’s, individuals with Down syndrome, hearing loss (including those with cochlear implants), developmental delays, and various other disabilities or genetic conditions. She finds great joy in helping children and young people reach their full potential within a safe and supportive environment. 

Music therapy can help support:

• Language and communication skills
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Social understanding and support
• Emotional regulation and understanding
• Sensory support 
• Self-esteem and confidence building

Laura includes activities such as:

• Singing and live music 
• Dancing and gross motor music activities 
• Song writing
• Sensory based music activities
• Play based music activities
• Playing instruments 
• Recording 
• Music listening 
• Music relaxation techniques 

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance, a masters in music therapy, and a PhD in music therapy research. Laura works individually with clients and can work with NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. 

Music therapy and the NDIS 

Music therapy is on the approved list of NDIS and continues to be funded in both early childhood supports and therapeutic supports. Music therapy is listed as an approved support of the new price guide issued 1st of October 2024 (p.88). The price guide specifies an approved music therapist as “a person who is an active registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association”. Music therapy is not to be confused with sound therapy, a wellness profession, that has been listed as not supported by the NDIS. 

NDIS CLAIM CODES

Subject to different price limits, music therapy can be claimed under the following item Codes, dependent upon the participant’s age and corresponding plan type.

(Under Capacity Building) (7 or older)

15_615_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Music Therapist

15_056_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Other Professional

(NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024-25, p.89)

(< 7 years old Under Capacity Building)

15_005_0118_1_3 Early Childhood Supports - Early Childhood Professional - Other Professional 

(NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024-25, p.86)

(Under Core funding) (7 or older)

Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training Supports - Other Professional 01_741_0128_1_3

(NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024-25, p.56)

If you have any questions about how to access NDIS funding for music therapy, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Dr Laura Medcalf, PhD, RMT

Dynamic Music Therapy