Tanya Negrey & Associates · Saskatoon
Music Therapy in Saskatoon
Music can offer a way to connect, express feelings, and work toward meaningful goals—without needing to find every word.
Explore individualized music therapy with credentialed therapists Mary Friesen and Leanne Hoeft. No musical training or performance skills are required.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy uses musical experiences within a professional therapeutic relationship to address individualized goals. Sessions may involve listening, singing, rhythm, playing instruments, improvisation, or songwriting. Your therapist selects and adapts activities around your interests, needs, and responses.
The focus is on therapeutic goals and your experience, rather than learning to perform or meeting a musical standard. There is no expectation that you can sing or play an instrument.
Who might benefit from this approach?
Music therapy may be worth exploring when music is an engaging or accessible way for a person to communicate, connect, or express emotion. Depending on the therapist and the individual’s goals, support can address:
- Emotional expression and regulation
- Anxiety, distress, grief, and loss
- Communication and social connection
- Confidence and participation
- Individual needs associated with autism, ADHD, or developmental differences
Contact us to discuss the person’s age, needs, and preferences. We can help identify which therapist’s experience and services may be a suitable fit.
Meet our music therapists
Mary Friesen
BMT, BA (Music), MTA, MT-BC
Mary is an accredited music therapist who has worked in the field since 2019. She supports children and youth ages 4–18, with experience in grief and ambiguous loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, anger management, ADHD, and autism.
She holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Canadian Mennonite University, with Canadian MTA and American MT-BC credentials.
Leanne Hoeft
Leanne is an experienced accredited music therapist who works with children. Her experience includes supporting autistic children and children with Down syndrome, brain injuries, or developmental delays. She uses engaging musical experiences to support learning, participation, and mental health.
Read Leanne’s profile. Please inquire about her current service settings and availability.
What to expect
Initial sessions provide an opportunity to get to know the client, explore musical preferences, and discuss concerns and goals. The therapist adapts musical experiences to the person’s communication, sensory, developmental, and access needs.
For children and youth, caregiver involvement and information-sharing are discussed as part of consent and planning.
Common questions
Is music therapy the same as music lessons?
Music lessons primarily develop musical skills. Music therapy uses music intentionally to address therapeutic goals, guided by a trained music therapist.
Does my child need musical experience?
No. Your therapist adapts the experiences and materials to your child’s interests and abilities.
Is music therapy covered by benefits?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Confirm whether music therapy with your chosen practitioner is eligible before booking. Do not assume coverage is the same as art therapy or counselling.
Explore your next step
Check Jane for available private appointments and current fees, or contact the practice to discuss a referral or service inquiry.
Prefer working with visual materials? Explore art therapy in Saskatoon.