Use your
NDIS funding
for music therapy
Music therapy is NDIS funded and we’re here to guide you.
Music therapy is NDIS funded and we’re here to guide you.
If you’re exploring music therapy as part of your NDIS plan, you’re in the right place.
Sound Expression is a NDIS registered provider and our services fall under the therapeutic supports category Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
That means we can work with you to help build capacity and achieve your NDIS goals through the power of music. We align music therapy goals with your NDIS goals.
Our interventions and reports are evidence-based and relate directly to your NDIS goals and communication is open within any multi-disciplinary teams who may be working with you.
NOTE: Music Therapy must be conducted by a Registered Music Therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Our team are all RMTs.
In late 2024, the NDIA proposed changes to how music therapy is funded. Those changes are currently on hold pending a NDIS decision on the outcomes of an independent review.
That means:
Visit the NDIS website for the latest update on music therapy & NDIS. It clearly states that “there are no changes to the status of music therapy as NDIS supports”.
Our team of Registered Music Therapists work with people of all ages and abilities:
We collaborate closely with other allied health professionals and your support team to ensure continuity of care.
Supporting verbal and non-verbal expression, social communication and functional language.
Building tools to regulate emotions, develop coping strategies and maintain mood regulation.
Enhancing memory, sequencing, focus and cognitive flexibility through structured and improvised musical tasks.
Encouraging gross and fine motor coordination, movement and body awareness through music.
Integration of the sensory systems (auditory, visual, tactile and vestibular) and building resilience to sensory stimuli.
Strengthening social skills, peer interaction, shared attention and participation in groups.
Creating a safe space for choice-making, creativity, autonomy and personal identity through music.
The Australian Music Therapy Association (the registration body for music therapists) has produced a comprehensive information booklet detailing how music therapy can assist specific target need areas for people with disability with evidence-based references for each target need area.
Need help figuring out if you’re eligible or what funding category applies? We’re happy to talk it through.
We are a fully NDIS registered provider and undergo regular independent audits to maintain compliance with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.
You can feel confident that our service is safe, professional and aligned with national standards.
For over a decade we’ve provided music therapy services:
We’ve helped hundreds of children and adults improve communication, confidence, emotional regulation and quality of life through music. And we’re ready to help you too.
Is music therapy still covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Current funding arrangements remain in place while the review is underway.
Do I need a diagnosis to access therapy?
No. If music therapy outcomes align with your NDIS goals, we can support you with or without a formal diagnosis.
Can I use both music therapy and other supports?
Yes. We often work alongside speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and behaviour support specialists.
What does a session involve?
Each session is tailored to the person. It might include singing, instrumental play, movement or listening, all designed to support specific therapeutic goals.
What’s the difference between music therapy and music lessons?
Music therapy is delivered by Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) and is focused on therapeutic goals, not music skill development. While we use instruments, singing, or rhythm, the purpose of music therapy is to support things like communication, emotional regulation, coordination, or social skills, not musical performance or technique.
Do I (or my child) need to be musical to benefit?
Not at all. Music therapy isn’t about musical talent — it’s about using music as a tool to support your goals. No musical experience is necessary.
Can I use my NDIS funding for music therapy?
Yes, if it aligns with your NDIS goals and is under an appropriate support category like Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living or Early Childhood Intervention. If you’re unsure, please have a chat with us.
Do you work with self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA managed clients?
Yes, we work with NDIS participants across all management types — self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed. If you’re self-managed, we’ll provide a detailed invoice for you to claim. If you’re plan-managed, we’ll invoice your Plan Manager directly. If you’re agency-managed, we’ll claim directly via the NDIS portal.
What does a typical session look like?
Each session is tailored to the individual, but may include:
Our therapists adapt each session to meet each person’s energy, mood and goals.
Conveniently located next to a café in North Ryde, with plenty of parking out the front.
Ask questions, talk through your goals
We’ll guide you through the process