Music Therapy for Older Adults
Music therapy supports older adults across a wide range of health, emotional, and social needs. Whether you or a family member is living with dementia, recovering from a stroke, managing Parkinson's disease, experiencing social isolation, or simply seeking meaningful engagement at home - music therapy offers an evidence-based, person-centred approach delivered in the comfort of your own home.
For eligible aged care recipients, music therapy is fully funded under the Support at Home program as a Clinical Support service - with no out-of-pocket cost.
Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy?
Music therapy can support older adults who are experiencing:
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Dementia — including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline
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Stroke — supporting recovery of speech, movement, and emotional wellbeing
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Parkinson's disease — improving gait, speech, coordination, and quality of life
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Social isolation and loneliness — creating meaningful connection through music
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Depression and anxiety — supporting emotional wellbeing and mood
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Post-hospital recovery — supporting adjustment, motivation, and rehabilitation
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Chronic pain — reducing perceived pain through music-based experiences
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — cognitive stimulation and engagement
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Palliative and end-of-life care — supporting comfort, dignity, and connection
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General wellbeing — meaningful, enjoyable activity that enhances quality of life
You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from music therapy. Many older adults access music therapy simply for the joy, stimulation, and social connection it provides.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession recognised by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Australian Government.
A comprehensive evidence map of 67 systematic reviews found that music interventions for older adults can have positive or potentially positive effects on health outcomes, encompassing psychological wellbeing, cognitive functioning, physiological responses, quality of life, and overall wellbeing.
Research published in the European Geriatric Medicine journal found that studies showed benefits in the promotion of physical health, including enhancing exercise capacity and improving fitness among older adults, with promising results in managing conditions such as Parkinson's disease. In the area of brain health, studies showed cognitive benefits, particularly in attention and processing speed. There was also evidence of enhanced quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved social engagement, including in people living with dementia.
Music therapy is supported by moderate-certainty evidence as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in frail older adults with dementia.
How Does Music Therapy Support Specific Conditions?
Dementia & Cognitive Decline
Music therapy is one of the most researched non-pharmacological interventions for dementia. Familiar and meaningful music can access preserved memory pathways even in later stages of the condition, supporting mood, communication, and engagement. Sessions can reduce agitation and anxiety, support connection between the person and their family or carers, and improve overall quality of life.
For more detail, visit the Dementia & Music Therapy page.
Stroke Recovery
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a specialised, evidence-based approach used in stroke rehabilitation. Techniques include:
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Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) — supporting speech and language recovery using melodic phrasing and rhythm
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Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) — using an auditory rhythmic cue to support gait rehabilitation and walking
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Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) — using structured instrument playing to support motor rehabilitation, including arm and hand movement recovery
Music therapy has been found to improve cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson's disease and Traumatic Brain Injury, and led to significant improvements in emotional wellbeing in stroke survivors
Parkinson's Disease
Rhythm is a powerful tool for people living with Parkinson's disease. Neurologic Music Therapy techniques used in Parkinson's management include:
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Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) — using a steady auditory beat to support gait, improving walking speed, stride length, and coordination
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Rhythmic Speech Cueing (RSC) — using rhythmic and melodic cueing to support speech fluency, rate, and clarity
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Oral Motor and Respiratory Exercises (ORMEX) — using structured vocal and breathing exercises set to music to support oral motor function, breath support, and vocal projection
Music therapy can also support mood, reduce anxiety, and provide a meaningful and enjoyable form of engagement for people living with Parkinson's disease and their carers.
Social Isolation & Loneliness
Social isolation is one of the most significant health risks for older adults living at home. Music therapy creates a structured opportunity for meaningful human connection, self-expression, and engagement. Possible mediating factors include strengthening social relations, improving self-confidence and self-esteem, feeling valued, reducing social isolation, and increasing physical activity.
Depression & Anxiety
There is evidence of enhanced quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved social engagement, including in people living with dementia, underscoring the role of music in fostering emotional connections.
Music therapy provides a non-pharmacological pathway to emotional wellbeing — particularly valuable for older adults who prefer not to rely solely on medication, or who have not responded fully to other treatments.
Post-Hospital Recovery
After a hospital stay, many older adults experience reduced mood, motivation, and physical function. Music therapy can support the transition home, providing emotional support, cognitive stimulation, and encouragement for physical activity and rehabilitation.
Palliative & End-of-Life Care
Music therapy has a well-established role in palliative care, supporting comfort, dignity, and emotional expression in the final stages of life. Sessions can be deeply meaningful for both the person and their family, creating shared moments of connection and peace.
What to Expect in a Session
Sessions are 60 minutes and take place in your home, retirement village, or aged care facility. You do not need any musical background or ability — sessions are shaped entirely around your preferences, history, and goals.
A typical session may include:
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Singing familiar and meaningful songs
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Playing simple instruments such as percussion, guitar, or keyboard
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Listening to carefully chosen music for relaxation or reminiscence
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Music and movement activities
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Songwriting or lyric discussion
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Structured musical activities to support specific therapeutic goals
Family members and carers are welcome to participate or observe. Their involvement can be a valuable part of the therapeutic process.
For a full description of what to expect, visit the What to Expect page.
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)
I am trained in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), a specialised evidence-based approach that uses music to directly support brain function and rehabilitation. NMT is grounded in neuroscience and is particularly beneficial for older adults with neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
NMT techniques used in sessions may include:
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Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) — for gait and movement support
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Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) — for speech and language recovery
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Musical Sensory Orientation Training (MUSOT) — for attention and arousal
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Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) — for motor rehabilitation
How is Music Therapy Funded for Older Adults?
Support at Home program - If you receive support through the Support at Home program, music therapy may be fully funded as a Clinical Support — with no out-of-pocket cost to you. For full details visit the Support at Home Program page.
NDIS - If you are an older adult with a disability and an active NDIS plan, music therapy may be funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Visit the NDIS & Music Therapy page for more information.
Private - Private music therapy is available for clients who prefer to arrange sessions independently. Current rates are listed on the Music Therapy Fees page.
How to Get Started
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Contact me — call 0498 467 379 or use the contact form
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Brief phone conversation — we discuss your situation, goals, and funding
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Liaising with your provider — if you have Support at Home funding, I can speak directly with your care manager and provide a quote
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Initial session — we arrange a first 60-minute session and develop a plan from there
If you are unsure whether music therapy is the right option, you are very welcome to get in touch. A short conversation can often make the next step much clearer.
How to Get Started
Resonance Music Therapy is run by Barak Dar-El, a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) based in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Barak holds a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Australian Institute of Music and a Master of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne, and has additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). He is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
Sessions are provided in homes, retirement villages, and aged care facilities across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, including Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Kingsford, Matraville, Clovelly, Bronte, Bondi, and surrounding suburbs.