Music Therapy

Music and sound provide powerful therapeutic modalities to transform lives. As a Licensed, Board-Certified Music Therapist, I have specialized training and experience to help clients address a variety of health care and educational goals.

Music therapy techniques can help you:

• Regain physical, speech, and cognitive function following a brain or spinal cord injury
• Maintain recovery from substance use disorder
• Improve communication
• Enhance focus and concentration
• Improve executive function
• Support memory
• Express feelings
• Stimulate creativity and self-expression
• Reduce Anxiety
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Support Wellness

Why "Different Drum"?

"You and I travel to the beat of a different drum," according to a hit 60's song written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees, and made famous by The Stone Poneys, featuring Linda Ronstadt. This lyric recalls an earlier quote from Henry David Thoreau's book, Walden: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." In other words, rather than enforcing strict conformity to an arbitrary norm, I believe in helping clients identify and express their unique selves through the power of music.

BETH FRIEDMAN-ROMELL, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC (she/her/hers)

I have worked with individuals and groups of diverse ages and abilities in community settings across Northeast Ohio, providing music therapy, adapted theater, and wellness services to foster creativity, self-expression, healing, learning, and growth. We make music and meaning together in a safe, supported, and fun environment. My work with clients is informed by Humanistic, Improvisational, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Neurologic Music Therapy approaches.

I have been fortunate to be able to integrate my passions for music, healing, and teaching throughout my varied career. I hold BA (University of Pennsylvania), MA (University of London) and PhD (Northwestern University) degrees in theater, and have served for over two decades as Cantor and Spiritual Leader of Knesseth Israel Temple in Wooster, OH. I became a Board Certified Music Therapist in 2019, after completing my BMus at Cleveland State University, and a six month, full-time internship at MetroHealth Medical Center, where I focused on neurological rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries. I became a Licensed Professional Music Therapist in the State of Ohio in 2024, and will achieve the Neurologic Music Therapist designation in May, 2025. I am classically trained in piano, guitar, and voice, and also play a wide range of percussion and folk instruments. I am currently pursuing additional training in sound healing. I also love hiking in the woods, music jams, reading, and cooking for my family and friends.

Individual Music Therapy Sessions

Music Therapy is used to help people who experience conditions that affect mood, thinking, behavior, communication, and movement, such as autism, mental illness, developmental or physical disabilities, dementia, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions. Sessions are tailored to the individual needs, strengths, and goals of each client. We use both receptive and expressive modalities, such as listening, singing, playing instruments, lyric discussion, songwriting, movement, guided visualization, and more. No prior musical experience is needed!

Adapted Instrument Lessons

Learning to play an instrument is a great way to develop fine motor skills, sustained attention, literacy, frustration tolerance, and creative expression. I offer adapted piano, guitar, ukulele, recorder, and voice lessons at your location, tailoring instruction and materials to the strengths and needs of each client.

Rates

Initial Assessment required for all new music therapy and adapted lesson clients. We will discuss your treatment goals and evaluate your current needs in the areas of mood, cognition, behavior, communication, and movement. I will create a written report, including treatment recommendations.

• 60 minutes $150
  Can be two 30 minute sessions if needed.

Individual Sessions once a treatment plan has been established, we will work on your goals at regularly scheduled sessions, either in person at your location, or via telehealth. I will document progress and provide periodic updates and recommendations.    

• 30 minutes $ 65
• 45 minutes $ 85
• 60 minutes $ 100

Group Music Therapy Sessions

Music Therapy groups are a fun and engaging way to support clients' growth, self-expression, coping skills, and more. We use both receptive and expressive modalities, such as listening, singing, playing instruments, movement, lyric discussion, songwriting, and guided visualization to music.

Sample Group Sessions

• Music Enrichment for Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Designed to support clients' creativity and self-expression, stimulate cognition, foster interpersonal relationships, and support fine and gross motor skills. Music interventions include singing, instrument playing, songwriting, movement to music, and music-based games.    
• Music Therapy for Memory Care Designed to help clients maintain current cognitive level of functioning, encourage interpersonal communication, enhance self-expression, and support fine and gross motor skills. Music interventions include singing, instrument playing, songwriting, movement to music, and music-based games.    
• Music Therapy for Recovery Support Designed to support clients' recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Clients will learn how to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, avoid cravings, and improve interpersonal communication and executive function, using techniques including group drumming, therapeutic songwriting, lyric analysis, individualized playlists, breath work and sound healing.    
• School-based Music Therapy Address academic, social, emotional, communication, and music goals from preschool through Grade 12 in either self-contained or inclusive classrooms. Curriculum is tailored to the strengths and needs of students, and can incorporate specific content and learning goals of the classroom and school.    
• Therapeutic Ensembles Participants develop increased sense of community and empowerment while enjoying the benefits of making music together. Ensembles may be choral, instrumental, or a mix of singing and playing instruments, depending on the interests and strengths of the group. Participants members make repertoire choices together, create arrangements, rehearse, and may decide to present a concert for their community.    
• Adapted Theater/Arts/Social Skills Participants work on goals such as improved communication (speech, body language, reciprocity), teamwork, and focused and sustained attention. We use theater games, scripted material, storytelling, improvisation, and devised theater in a fun and inclusive environment. Music, art, movement, and gaming may also be integrated into the curriculum. Minimum of three participants required.    

Group Rates

Groups in facilities may be weekly, bimonthly, or monthly, depending on need and availability. Sessions take place at your facility. Documentation, treatment planning, and set up/take down are included in the group rate.

• 50 minutes $150 up to 12 participants.
  call to discuss rates for larger groups    

Wellness Workshops

Our ancestors knew that sound holds great power to promote healing, wholeness, and transformation. My wellness workshops offer the opportunity to explore how elements of sound -- such as rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony, and form -- can help you relax, relieve pain and anxiety, and unleash your creativity. Workshops are tailored to the individual or groups of any size, and may take place at your facility, private residence, or community location. The standard workshop is 60 minutes, but can be customized to your needs. Wellness workshops can be geared to team-building events, retreats, staff support, school programs, and more.

My Approach

As a Licensed, Board-Certified Music Therapist, I am trained and experienced in creating interactive sessions that involve participants in the creation of their own sound journeys, and I am adept in helping you process experiences and emotions that may come up during a session. We will explore a wide variety of sound healing instruments, such as crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, wooden flutes, and the human voice, as well as Western instruments such as guitar and keyboard. If you are interested in a purely receptive session, I offer sound baths for people of all ages and abilities.

Workshops

• Foundations of Wellness Experience a range of stress reduction and relaxation techniques in this hands-on, interactive workshop. Learn how to combine therapeutic sound and music with targeted mind, body, and breath exercises to support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness goals.    
• Healing Rhythms Drumming Experience Cultures across time and place have recognized the therapeutic effects of drumming on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Recent science supports the fact that the musical element of rhythm helps our brains "entrain" -- i.e., get in sync. Drumming regulates our body systems, encourages the release of essential neurotransmitters, and can create a sense of connection with others and the universe. Also, it's fun! We will explore the use of many different types of hand-held percussion instruments in pursuit of wellness goals. No prior experience necessary.    
• Music for Healthy Aging A growing body of scientific evidence supports the beneficial role of music in maintaining healthy cognitive and physical functioning as we age. Learn how you can incorporate easy musical activities into your daily routine to keep sharp and fit!    
• Native American Style Flute for Healing and Growth Learn to play the Native American-style Flute for meditation, healing, and growth. This type of flute features the 5 notes of the pentatonic scale, which is very easy to learn and use to create a peaceful space.    
• Nature Immersion A sound and walking meditation journey led at a local MetroPark. Contact me for details.    
• Sacred Sound Healing Everything that exists has a vibrational frequency. Learn how sound can shift and transform our energies of body, mind, and spirit. We will tap into the 4 elements of nature Earth, Water, Air, and Fire using sounds and instruments connected to each element to support achieving balance in our lives.    
• Sound Bath Journey In this receptive session, you will experience a variety of sound healing instruments, such as crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, wooden flutes, and the human voice. I have carefully curated a set of singing bowls pitched at lower frequencies, in order to activate theta and delta brainwaves involved in deep relaxation. You will be gently guided on a journey of relaxation, healing, and growth through sound, breath work, and focused meditation. Offered for 60 minutes for adults, or 30 minutes for children.    
• Therapeutic Songwriting Are there areas of your life that feel out of balance? Knotty problems or feelings you wish to explore in a safe, creative and non-judgmental space? This workshop series will help you write words and music for self-expression and growth. Depending on the interests of the group, we will explore genres such as blues, rock, and hip-hop. No prior musical or writing experience is necessary.    

Wellness Workshop Rates

• 60 minutes $35 per person
• 45 minutes $25 per person
• 30 minutes $15 per child +$5 per accompanying adult

Billing and Policies

Billing

Session fees are billed and paid in advance. Fees may be paid monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually. A sliding fee scale may be available for individual sessions, and group rates may be negotiable for facilities. A discount is offered to all clients who pay quarterly or bi-annually, and to those who pay by cash or check. Insurance is not currently accepted. Please contact a tax professional to determine whether music therapy expenses would be deductible in your individual situation.

Cancellations

Session fees are non-refundable. 48 hours advance notice is required if a client needs to reschedule a session. Client cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice (with the exception of illness or emergency) will not be rescheduled. If the therapist cancels for any reason, the session will be rescheduled at no cost to the client.

Resources

Music Therapy is "the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship, provided by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program."

Music Therapists complete a rigorous undergraduate academic program and 1200 hours of clinical field training, demonstrate proficiency in voice, piano, guitar, and percussion, pass a national Board exam, and achieve at least 100 hours of continuing education credits every 5 years. In Ohio, Music Therapists must be licensed by the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board in order to practice.

Music and the Brain

Music is processed in many different parts of the brain, and thus may be used for a wide variety of clinical situations. For example, rhythm "entrains" neurons to fire in sync with each other, which supports motor function, biological functions such as heart rate and breathing, and social connection. Familiar melodies and harmonies stimulate the production of "feel good" hormones that regulate mood; they also trigger memories. Learning to play an instrument increases the number of neurons which connect the two sides of the brain, improving hemispheric communication and motor skills.

Approaches

Cognitive-Behavioral Music Therapy uses the elements of music to help clients identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, or PTSD are among the people who may benefit from this approach.

Humanistic Music Therapy emphasizes the primacy and agency of the client in guiding all aspects of therapy. Music is used to address the needs of the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit -- throughout the treatment process. The therapist and client are partners in making music, meaning, and growth. Humanism is a basic tenet of my music therapy practice.

Improvisational Music Therapy uses active, spontaneous music making to help process and express emotions, build self-confidence, improve interpersonal communication, and foster trust, rapport, and a sense of community. Improvisation can be helpful for a wide range of individuals and goals.

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® "is a standardized system of clinical techniques that use the functional perception of all properties of music to train and retrain brain and behavior function." It is useful to assist people who have had a stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, and other neurological conditions affecting cognition, movement, communication, and psychosocial function.