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Music Therapy Services Gold Coast

Gold Coast and Townsville Music Therapy for Kids, Adolescents and Adults

Harnessing the power of music to support confidence, connection, and well-being across all stages of life.

Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession that uses music to support functional outcomes in communication, movement, cognition, social connection, and emotional wellbeing. At QPAH, our Registered Music Therapists work with people of all ages and abilities, tailoring each session to individual goals and needs.

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A smiling young boy with Down’s syndrome plays a small guitar, while a woman beside him, also smiling, holds a guitar. Surrounded by colourful blocks, they enjoy music therapy NDIS together in their cosy living room.

OVERVIEW

Why Music Therapy?

QPAH is a multidisciplinary clinic. We see, first-hand, the benefits of regular communication between a client’s multiple therapists and other stakeholders involved in their care. Working from a collaborative approach is a fundamental part of our organisation.

We are often told by clients or parents, when asked, “why Music Therapy?” that, “I/my child just loves music” or “music is one of the only things that they respond to”. When a client responds to music, under the guidance of our qualified therapists, the potential they have to achieve their therapeutic goals is profound. 

Providing therapy in a predictable environment suited to a client’s sensory needs is our top priority. We aim to help everyone feel secure, safe and calm. We do this by using music, adjusting the environment or lighting and providing equipment (e.g. tunnel, gym ball or trampoline) to meet their needs. When a client is regulated, then we move into addressing higher levels of functioning.

  • Evidence-based therapy that uses music to support communication, movement, emotional regulation, and wellbeing
  • Registered Music Therapists with Neurologic Music Therapy training
  • Dynamic, creative, and engaging sessions tailored to individual strengths, interests, and goals
  • Supports skill development across connection, expression, attention, sensory regulation, and social participation
  • Can be a powerful entry point for therapy – especially for children and adults who find traditional therapy approaches challenging
  • Collaborative care and goal-aligned support as part of our multidisciplinary team
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OVERVIEW

What happens during a Music Therapy session?

QPAH’s Music Therapy programs are developed specifically to meet the individual needs of each client.

This can include:

  • Singing with the client while playing the piano or guitar
  • Engaging in musical play through with percussion instruments
  • Moving/dancing to music
  • Song writing
  • Using Key Word Signs, picture symbols (and other forms of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)), technology and other props (like puppets and books)
  • Listening to music
  • Making music in the moment together (improvisation).
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A young boy with Down’s syndrome smiles joyfully whilst playing the piano during a music therapy NDIS session in a bright room with colourful storage shelves in the background.

the people we work with

Who we support

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Children and adults with disability

For children and adults with developmental delay, autism, intellectual disability, or other support needs, music therapy supports movement, communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and independence. Sessions may include singing, instruments, movement, or songwriting, tailored to each person’s strengths and preferences.

Simple icon of a person with shoulder-length hair and a speech bubble containing two horizontal lines, representing communication—ideal for illustrating ADOS assessment or Gold Coast speech therapist services.

People with psychosocial supports or mental health challenges

Music therapy can provide a safe space for expression, confidence building, and emotional regulation. For young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges, music can be a bridge to connection and a tool for developing coping strategies.

Outlined icon of a person’s head with a yellow circle on the ear, speaking with a speech bubble containing lines—ideal for representing Gold Coast speech therapist or feeding therapist services.

Older adults with age-related conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease

Music therapy has a powerful impact in aged care. For people living with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, or other neurological conditions, music can unlock memory, lift mood, support movement, and ease anxiety. Sessions focus on improving quality of life, communication, and social connection.

A music therapist and a young woman sitting at a piano keyboard.

WHY CHOOSE QPAH?

Excellence in Music Therapy

  • A focus on both functional outcomes and wellbeing
  • Registered Music Therapists with advanced training and experience across the lifespan
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach alongside speech therapy and occupational therapy
  • Inclusive, strengths-based practice that celebrates each person’s individuality
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OUR APPROACH

Music therapy tailored to your support needs

At QPAH, music therapy is never “one-size-fits-all.” Every session is personalised, evidence-informed, and centred on meaningful goals. We work collaboratively with families, carers, and other health professionals to ensure therapy supports everyday life – whether that’s a child finding their voice, an adult managing anxiety, or an older person reconnecting with treasured memories.

Music therapy sessions are available:

  • In homes or via telehealth
  • In our Southport clinic and Townsville clinic (coming soon)
  • In schools, kindergartens, and early childhood centres
  • In residential aged care or community settings
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An elderly woman and a young man play piano together, sitting side by side. Sharing a musical moment, they focus on the keys—showcasing the power of music therapy gold coast to unite generations through creativity and connection.

Why music therapy?

How music therapy helps

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Expressive and Receptive Language

Utilising music to enhance both the understanding and use of language.

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Speech Development

Supporting the development of clear and effective speech through musical cues and activities.

Outline of a human head in profile with a green brain inside, symbolizing thinking, intelligence, or mental activity—ideal for representing music therapy courses or speech therapy for kids on the Gold Coast.

Emotional Regulation

Using music to help people manage their emotions, behaviour and attention, and reduce agitation in older adults with dementia.

Outline of a human head in profile with a stylised brain inside. Overlapping circles represent mental activity, with one pink section highlighting focus—ideal for illustrating cognitive areas addressed in OT Gold Coast or ADOS assessment contexts.

Sensory Integration

Employing music as a tool to assist with the integration of sensory information.

Outlined icon of a person’s head with a yellow circle on the ear, speaking with a speech bubble containing lines—ideal for representing Gold Coast speech therapist or feeding therapist services.

Executive Functioning

Improving memory, attention and cognitive skills through structured music activities.

A simple line drawing of a hand placing a puzzle piece with a dark corner above two others, one with a light blue corner, suggests progress—perfect for illustrating speech therapy for kids. A small plus sign appears nearby.

Motor Skills

Enhancing both fine and gross motor skills via music-driven movement and exercises.

Meet the team

Music Therapy team

The QPAH music therapy team are all Registered Music Therapists who are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association

They each have a recognised undergraduate or master’s level qualification from an accredited University. Only Registered Music Therapists are permitted to provide Music Therapy services under the NDIS. QPAH’s team are committed to continuing professional development guided by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA), while strictly adhering to the AMTA Code of Ethics. 

We aim to create a safe, engaging and positive therapy environment and cultivate nurturing relationships. Our clients are supported to maximise their potential. Our team exemplifies the ultimate standard of professional practice.

Monica Zidar

Director & Principal Registered Music Therapist

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Monica Zidar

Director & Principal Registered Music Therapist

Meet Monica Zidar – Director & Principal Registered Music Therapist at QPAH

Monica Zidar is the Founder and Director of QPAH, bringing over two decades of experience in paediatric and lifespan allied health. A leader in neurologic and clinical music therapy, Monica is deeply committed to integrated, person-centred care that empowers individuals and families to thrive.

Professional Journey and Leadership

Monica holds a Bachelor of Music (1998) and a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy (2000), both from the University of Queensland. Her dedication to the profession was recognised in 2014, when she received the Richard Thompson Award for Excellence in Music Therapy, honouring her outstanding contributions.

Beyond her clinical work, Monica is a clinical supervisor for the University of Melbourne and a co-Director of QPAH’s multidisciplinary team, which includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, music therapists and allied health assistants. She also serves as the President of the Australian Music Therapy Association and was a founding Director of the charity Everyone Deserves Music, advocating for access to music therapy for all.

Passions and Expertise

A passionate leader and practitioner, Monica is particularly fascinated by the neurology of music and how music therapy can influence brain function and support therapeutic outcomes. She finds joy in collaborating with her team and clients, celebrating progress, and fostering a workplace culture that prioritises creativity, collaboration and clinical excellence.

Beyond QPAH

Outside of her professional life, Monica enjoys growing vegetables, beekeeping, knitting and cooking for friends and family, bringing her love for connection and creativity into every aspect of life.

With a career built on authenticity, professionalism and purpose, Monica continues to push the boundaries of music therapy, advocating for inclusive and evidence-informed therapy services that make a lasting impact.

In a mostly team-facing role, Monica works Monday to Friday at our Southport clinic. She co-runs our Singchronous all-abilities choir on Tuesday afternoons and is heavily involved in the development of community-based music groups.

Eliza Fish

Clinical Lead Registered Music Therapist

A woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a black short-sleeve blouse, smiles while standing against a plain white background—a welcoming presence for anyone interested in music therapy Gold Coast services.

Eliza Fish

Clinical Lead Registered Music Therapist

With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, Eliza is a dynamic and vibrant Clinical Lead Registered Music Therapist at QPAH. In addition to her role at QPAH, Eliza is dedicated to supervising students at the University of Melbourne who are studying to become Registered Music Therapists.

Eliza’s qualifications include an MMusThy from the University of Queensland and a BMus from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Her professional expertise extends to families with young children, special education settings and paediatric health settings. Through her unwavering passion, Eliza champions the well-being of her clients, utilising the transformative power of music.

Recognizing the significance of holistic support, Eliza is committed to nourishing the well-being of her fellow allied health professionals. She possesses a deep passion for mentorship and provides invaluable professional and clinical supervision, empowering her colleagues to prioritise their own health and thrive in their respective practices.

To enhance her skills and knowledge, Eliza has completed specialised training courses including:

  • Institute Training with The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
  • Successful Supervision – Supervisor Training for Allied Health.

Eliza offers music therapy sessions and provides supervision on Mondays to Thursdays. Her dedication to her profession, extensive experience and commitment to mentoring make her an invaluable asset to both her clients and the aspiring music therapists under her guidance.

Qualifications:
Registered Music Therapist
Masters in Music Therapy
Member of the Australian Music Therapy Association
Neurologic Music Therapist.

Jorja Dimopoulos

Registered Music Therapist Gold Coast & Townsville

Headshot of Jorja

Jorja Dimopoulos

Registered Music Therapist Gold Coast & Townsville

Meet Jorja Dimopoulos – Registered Music Therapist at QPAH

Jorja Dimopoulos is a Registered Music Therapist at QPAH, passionate about harnessing the power of music to support individuals of all ages. With a Bachelor of Music Technology from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a Master of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne, she further specialised as a Neurologic Music Therapist through training at the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.

Professional Journey and Passion

Jorja joined QPAH in 2023, bringing experience from her time as a Disability Support Worker (2022) and Teacher Aide at Elanora State High School (2020). She finds immense joy in watching her clients grow, develop new skills and achieve their goals through music therapy.

Her deep love for both music and working with people has shaped her approach, allowing her to make meaningful connections while using music as a tool for therapeutic progress. She is especially passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals and those

experiencing mental health challenges and truly enjoys working with people from all walks of life.

Making an Impact Through Music Therapy

One of Jorja’s proudest achievements has been developing the “Singchronus” choir program, providing an inclusive space for individuals to connect and express themselves through song. She has also worked with non-verbal children who, through music therapy, have gained the ability to communicate verbally and been able to attend school or kindergarten – a testament to the transformative power of her work.

Beyond QPAH

Outside of the clinic, Jorja enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends. A little-known fact about Jorja? Before becoming a music therapist, she worked as a sound engineer and even filmed a TV show!

With her expertise, creativity and deep commitment to helping others, Jorja continues to make a lasting difference through music therapy at QPAH.

Jorja works Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Southport clinic, in the community and at our satellite clinic in Tweed Heads on a Friday. She runs many of our Tweedle Tunes baby and toddler music classes across the Gold Coast, as well as our Singchronous all-abilities choir on Tuesday evenings. In 2026, Jorja will be taking music therapy to Townsville.

Kate Robinson

Registered Music Therapist Gold Coast

Headshot of Kate

Kate Robinson

Registered Music Therapist Gold Coast

Meet Kate Robinson – Registered Music Therapist at QPAH

Kate Robinson is a Registered Music Therapist at QPAH, bringing a deep passion for music and its therapeutic benefits to her work. With a Bachelor of Music from Queensland University of Technology (2013-2016) and a Master of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne (2020-2021), she has honed her skills in using music to support clients across a wide range of developmental and emotional needs.

Expertise and Special Interests

Kate became a Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) in 2023, adding specialised, evidence-based techniques to her practice. She has a keen interest in integrating music with creative arts-based approaches, particularly for emotional expression and regulation in children and adolescents. To deepen her expertise in this area, she completed professional

development in art therapy (2024), allowing her to blend music and visual art for a holistic therapeutic experience.

Kate thrives on working within a multidisciplinary team of music therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists. She finds inspiration in collaborating across disciplines, developing creative strategies and tackling complex clinical challenges in an environment that fosters growth and innovation.

Impact and Career Highlights

One of the most rewarding aspects of Kate’s career has been supporting long-term clients to reach significant milestones through music therapy. She has helped children and young people develop sustained attention, communication skills, emotional regulation, social connection, and fine and gross motor skills.

A particularly memorable success story involves a young client who initially found it difficult to engage in shared music-making. Through gentle, improvised musical interactions, they slowly built trust, leading to structured music-making, instrument sharing, and even participation in a school choir and family concerts. Watching this transformation unfold reinforced Kate’s belief in the powerful and lasting impact of music therapy.

Beyond QPAH

Outside of work, Kate enjoys building LEGO sets, solving puzzles, drawing and playing video games. She remains actively involved in music, performing as a cellist in local gigs and musicals, and serving as the Artistic Director of a Brisbane-based handbell ensemble.

Few people know that Kate plays six instruments and has performed around Australia and internationally as one of the top handbell ringers in the country, touring Singapore and major symposiums. Her role as Artistic Director keeps her connected to music in a fun and meaningful way.

With her creativity, expertise and passion for music therapy, Kate continues to make a lasting impact on the clients and families she works with at QPAH.

Kate works Tuesdays to Fridays at our Southport clinic and in the community.

The Process

What to expect

From your first session to real-life outcomes, here’s how we work together through music.

Little boy, smiling, wearing headphones

01 Intake

02 Share relevant history with your music therapist

The first appointment will be a conversation with you or a parent/caregiver, to give an idea of what has brought you to music therapy. This, in conjuction with the completion of intake forms will inform how music therapy proceeds.

03 Assessment

The music therapist will administer any standardised functional/clinical assessments to assess areas of need prior to therapy commencing. This also provides a valuable way measuring progress.

04 Collaborative goal setting

The music therapist will work with you to set goals for music therapy, based on your assessment results and your priorities.

05 Music therapy program design

The music therapist will apply their specialised knowledge of evidence-based techniques and interventions to write a program to meet your needs.

06 Check your progress

The music therapist will re-administer some of the initial assessment tools used and talk to you and/or a parent/caregiver about how music therapy has helped you to achieve your goals.

07 Capacity building in action

The music therapist will support you to transfer the skills you have gained in music therapy to your everyday life.

08 Discharge

Affiliates & accreditations

Connect through music

Take the first step toward meaningful, person-centred support. Booking is simple, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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