Swallow Hill’s Music Therapy programming is facilitated by Board Certified Music Therapists, who use evidence-based music programming and interventions to support specific physical, emotional, cognitive or social needs.

Swallow Hill’s music therapists use music as the tool to help improve people’s lives. Music Therapy Programming is one way Swallow Hill is bringing the joy of music to life every day.

We take pride in meeting the needs of a wide variety of individuals who want to learn and experience music including (but not limited to):

  • Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders or Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
  • Adults living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Individuals dealing with Trauma or Mental Health issues

What Is Music Therapy?

As defined by the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is “…an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.” Music therapy is administered by trained professionals who have been educated at an approved music therapy program and nationally certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT). Music therapists possess musical, clinical, therapeutic, and professional skills.

Programs

Private Sessions

Private Sessions are individualized and cater to each client’s wants and needs. These can include movement, singing, instrument playing and or/ songwriting. During the first few sessions, our therapists will work with the student or caretaker to develop an appropriate plan to work toward.

$59 per 30-minute session
$118 per hour-long session

Musical Memories

Join our Music Therapist, Kristen McSorely, to sing and reminisce together in this one hour program. In partnership with the Colorado Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, Musical Memories is for individuals experiencing memory loss and their families and caregivers. We’ll utilize music to increase overall brain functioning and encourage emotional awareness. Musical Memories takes place the 1st Fridays of every month, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. MT. We look forward to seeing you and making music together.

Musical Pathways

This class is led by by Music Therapist Kristen McSorley, and is a free drop-in Music Therapy class. These classes are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Music can help build new friendships, evoke joy and regulate the nervous system, strengthen neural pathways, as well as support physical movement. Musical Pathways is 1st Fridays of every month. Musical Pathways takes place the 1st Fridays of every month, 1 – 2 p.m. MT. We look forward to seeing you and making music together.

Meet our Therapists

Amy Sweetin

Amy received her BA in Music Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2012, and after completing her internship was Board Certified in 2013. She also completed training in Neurologic Music Therapy in 2013 and began training music therapy interns as a Clinical Supervisor in 2017. She has extensive clinical experience in geriatrics and older adults with memory needs, children and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and adolescent and adult mental health.

Kristen McSorley

Kristen received her Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University which emphasized culturally responsive approaches to music therapy. Practicing since 2014, she has worked with clients of all ages and abilities, from infants in neonatal intensive care to elders in hospice. Her clinical interests and expertise include: mental health, neurodivergent children and adults, intellectual & developmental disabilities, children and teens, medical, survivors of trauma, and wellness. She has additional training in early childhood music therapy, drum circle facilitation, and guided imagery and music.

Individual Lessons

If you, or someone in your life could benefit from Music Therapy individual lessons, please use our private lesson inquiry form and one of our music therapists will be in touch. Tuition Assistance is available for private Music Therapy sessions, learn more here.

Partner Organizations

In addition to private sessions, Swallows Hill works with many partners to provide onsite programming including Developmental Pathways, Rocky Mountain Region VA Medical Center, the Alzheimer’s Association and various memory care centers. Please contact us for more information.