In this interview, we speak with passionate Newcastle-based registered Music Therapist Carlin McLellan, whose journey into music therapy was fuelled by a lifelong love for music and a deep commitment to helping others. Growing up in Newcastle, music was not just a hobby but a crucial part of navigating life’s challenges. This connection to music, combined with extensive experience in helping professions, led to a career dedicated to using music as a powerful tool for healing and growth, especially for individuals with disabilities. McLellan shares personal experiences that have shaped his approach, discusses the transformative power of music therapy, and offers valuable insights for families considering this unique form of therapy.
- Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become a music therapist?
I have always loved music, and growing up (in Newcastle) music played a huge role in shaping me as a person and getting through some hard times. My entire adult life I have worked in helping professions. As a Youth Worker, I saw how music helped young people facing a whole range of challenges to regulate their emotions and to share their story. I remember thinking ‘There must be something to this!’ Later on, when I heard about Music Therapy, it made perfect sense to me that music could be used in targeted ways to help people improve their lives. I studied my undergrad (B Arts/Psyc) at Newcastle Uni before completing a Masters of Music Therapy at Western Sydney University. So quite a bit of study to do what I now do, but I’m really grateful for the clinical and theoretical knowledge that underpins my work now as a Registered Music Therapist.
- What personal experiences or connections do you have with supporting people with disabilities, and how have they influenced your work?
In my own life, supporting family members with a disability has had a massive impact on how I see the world, and sparked endless ideas for how we can make our society more accessible and inclusive. We have come a long way, but there’s still massive work to be done. In 2018 my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a neurological condition which causes the gradual loss of all physical ability. Helping to care for my dad, I saw first-hand the many challenges he faced, from navigating complex healthcare systems, to accessing (supposedly accessible) spaces, to a lack of support for families and carers. More than anything though, I am inspired by the way my dad adapted to the challenges that came his way. When there were problems with seemingly few solutions, he invented one. I carry that approach in all that I do in my work as a Registered Music Therapist - With determination and creativity we can build a more inclusive society.
- For those who might not be familiar, can you explain what music therapy is and how it works? How does music therapy specifically benefit people with disabilities?
Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It’s an evidence-based practice designed to improve well-being and quality of life.In music therapy, a trained therapist uses music activities—such as listening, singing, playing instruments, and songwriting—to help clients achieve specific therapeutic goals
Music as a ‘Total Brain Workout’
Because music requires multiple parts of our brains working together in synchrony, it can light up and activate our brains more than just about any other activity. While playing music we are able to form new Neural pathways - This is particularly effective in Neurorehabilitation. Music can improve our memory, cognition, self-confidence and not to mention be a massive mood boost!
- Can you share a success story or a memorable experience where music therapy made a change in someone's life?
Every day I am privileged to see the positive impact that music has for the folks we support. Whether through helping a child to find their voice, or a teenager expressing their feelings through rap, or an adult connecting with others through song, I am constantly amazed at how music just brings out the best in people. One of our participants, Tony, had not touched his bass guitar since an accident in 2018 which caused an Acquired Brain Injury. Through engaging in Music Therapy, Tony has been able to relearn much of his previous repertoire and perform live with our in-house ‘Brainwaves Blues Band’. Seeing Tony regain his confidence and ability has been a joy for him and his family.
- What methods or techniques do you and your team use in your sessions? Can you give us an example of a typical music therapy session at Play Anything?
No two music therapy sessions ever look the same, however most sessions could include a combination of any of the following:
Active Music Therapy: Involves creating music through playing instruments, singing, or songwriting.
Receptive Music Therapy: Focuses on listening to and analysing music to evoke responses and emotions.
Improvisation: Encourages spontaneous creation of music to express feelings and explore creativity.
Songwriting: Helps clients compose songs to articulate their experiences, emotions, and thoughts.
Music and Movement: Integrates music with physical movement to enhance motor skills and body awareness.
Musical Games: Incorporates structured musical activities and games to enhance social skills, cognitive functions, and emotional expression.At Play Anything we have a huge library of acoustic, eclectic and electronic instruments. We also have a dedicated in-house Recording Studio for recording original music.
It’s important to note that anyone can benefit from music therapy, you don’t need to have any musical training or ability to engage in music therapy!
- How do you tailor your sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual, especially considering the diverse range of disabilities you work with?
Music therapy is a client-led, strengths-based approach which means we are looking to build and improve on target areas rather than focusing solely on deficits. We work with our participants and their family to make sure we are helping to address goals that are relevant and meaningful to them. We adapt and respond to the needs of our participants session-to-session or even minute-to-minute during sessions, to ensure their voice is at the centre of the therapy process.
- What advice would you give to families or caregivers who are considering music therapy for their loved ones? How can they get started?
My advice would be to do some research and find a qualified music therapist in your area. You can start by looking for a music therapist who is accredited with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Once you find a music therapist, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs and goals. The music therapist will conduct an assessment to determine the best course of treatment and develop an individual treatment plan.Finally, be patient and open-minded. Music therapy is a process and it may take some time to see results. But with consistent practice and support, music therapy can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
