Upbeat Music Therapy
Through a person-centered approach, Upbeat music therapists provide evidence-based interventions that are both motivating and engaging that address cognitive, communicative, social, emotional, and motor goals. Our therapeutic approach allows flexibility so that we are responsive to our clients’ needs and adapt each session accordingly. By listening to the music preferences of our clients, we present age-appropriate and creative music experiences that help them grow and maximize their level of functioning.
Music Therapy
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and evidenced-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed music therapist.
Who is a qualified music therapist?
Music therapists complete a four-year degree in music therapy from a college or university in a music therapy program accredited by the American Music Therapy Association. Students complete 1200 hours of clinical training before being eligible to sit for the board certification exam. The exam is administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, who confer the credential MT-BC.
What happens in a music therapy session?
Clients engaging in music therapy can expect to participate in a wide variety of experiences including playing instruments, singing, songwriting, listening, improvising, moving, and talking. A variety of musical genres are used; however, the session always centers around the client’s preferred music or musical style.
Many people ask if music skills are necessary to be a client in music therapy, and the answer is…no. Clients do not need music skills to be successful in music therapy!
About The Founder
Since 2004, Minda Gordon, MT-BC, founder of Upbeat Music Therapy, has become the premier music therapist on the First Coast. Through successful, innovative programs, she has set the standard for high quality music therapy for children with disabilities in the school setting and older adults in both the private and facility settings.
Minda received her music therapy degree from The University of Georgia and has developed music therapy programs for adult day programs, psychiatric units, children’s hospitals, and schools. Her person-centered approach to care and her ability to adapt to meet each client in the moment are key to her 35 years of success in the field. Minda is a frequent speaker and presenter in the community and at regional and national conferences of the American Music Therapy Association. Minda is a past Chair of the Certification Board for Music Therapists Exam Committee, a member of the Florida Governmental Task Force for Music Therapy, and the current President of the Southeastern Region of The American Music Therapy Association.
Meet the Upbeat Team
Brittany Harmon, MM, MT-BC
Brittany Harmon is a board-certified music therapist (2010). Though specializing in the field of substance abuse/mental health, Ms. Harmon has practiced music therapy with a variety of populations. Ms. Harmon received her Master of Music degree from Florida State University in 2011. Ms. Harmon has a passion to see individuals overcome mental, physical, and emotional health challenges. One of her favorite quotes is, “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” ― Maria Augusta von Trapp
