BLOG
What is the difference between Creative Arts Enrichment and Creative Arts Therapy?
Music therapy and music enrichment might look similar from the outside — but they serve very different purposes. Here's how to tell them apart.
What Is a Music Therapy Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?
Wondering what happens before music therapy begins? Intern Aly Lines walks through what a music therapy evaluation is, what domains are assessed, and why it matters for your child's treatment.
The First Stage of Therapy: Getting to Know Your Therapist
Music and art aren't just creative skills — they're vehicles for emotional awareness, self-discovery, and wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to bring creative expression into your everyday life.
Singable Books for Kids
Singable books are one of our favorite tools at The Sonatina Center. Here's a long list of our favorites — perfect for music therapy sessions, enrichment classes, and home.
What is Creative Arts Therapy?
Creative arts therapy is more than fun and games — it's a research-backed approach to supporting emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development through music, art, and movement.
Why is Spinning Good for Kids?
Why do music therapists spin kids in a gathering drum? The answer is vestibular sensory stimulation — and the benefits go far beyond just having fun.
Making Progress
What actually happens when a music therapist writes a progress note? Marissa walks you through the four-step process she uses every quarter to track client growth and update treatment plans.
Music Making for Non-Musicians
You don't have to be a musician to make music. Intern Vanessa Hale offers three meaningful music experiences to help you tap into your own creativity and personal expression.
A Music-Based Guided Meditation for Anxiety
When anxiety rises, we can always come back to ourselves. This music-based guided meditation from our team walks you through a grounding body practice to help you find stillness.
What Therapist is a Good Fit for Me?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials. Learn what to look for in a therapeutic relationship — and where to start your search.
How Do I Know What Kind of Therapy To Try?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the therapy options out there? This plain-language guide breaks down the most common types of therapy and approaches to help you find the right fit.
Creative Arts Therapy for Adults
Creative arts therapy isn't just for kids. Learn how music therapy and art therapy support adults navigating mental health, recovery, neurologic conditions, pregnancy, and more.
Music for Big Emotions: Emotion Playlists
Music can help you move through big emotions — not just distract from them. Learn how to build a mood regulation playlist and why it works.
Music Therapy Mythbusting
Think recorded music doesn't count as music therapy? That performing means you're not doing therapy? Intern Vanessa Hale busts three common myths about what music therapy is — and isn't.
A Therapeutic Space
A therapeutic space is more than four walls and instruments. It's built on shared values, intentional design, and the belief that there's no wrong way to participate.
Music Therapy for Motor Skill Development
Music therapy is a powerful and motivating way to address fine and gross motor skills — for children and adults alike. Here's how music therapists approach motor goals and what that looks like in practice.
What Happens in a Creative Arts Therapy Group?
Creative arts therapy groups are therapy first, activity second. Here's what you can expect — and how our Tune Together music group supports adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Music for Emotion Regulation
Music is one of the most powerful emotion regulation tools we have. Learn how to build a Validation, Soothing, and Empowerment playlist to help you move through difficult emotions.
Music Helps Through Tough Transitions
Transitions are hard for kids — and the behaviors that come with them can be exhausting. Here's how music can help reduce anxiety, promote movement, and bridge the gaps between one activity and the next.
Celebrating Lunar New Year with Kids
Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, storytelling, and connection. Here are some of our favorite Asian creators and platforms to help your family explore the holiday through music, art, and books.