Use your
NDIS funding
for music therapy
Music therapy is NDIS funded and we’re here to guide you.
Use your
Music Therapy & NDIS
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.
Music Therapy remains funded under the NDIS
In late 2024, the NDIA proposed changes to how music therapy is funded. In response, we led a very strong advocacy campaign which resulted in the NDIA commissioning an Independent Review, led by experienced health economist Dr Stephen Duckett AM. The review was published in September 2025 and delivered the following outcomes for NDIS participants:
That means:
- Music Therapy remains funded as an NDIS Therapeutic Support under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
- Only AMTA-registered music therapists are eligible to deliver music therapy. This recognition aligns music therapy alongside other allied health professions, highlighting the professional standards and clinical expertise of Registered Music Therapists.
- NDIS has formally recognised the distinction between Music Therapy as therapeutic support and music activities.
- Early intervention supports for children under 7 remain in place.
We stay across every update so you don’t have to. If you’re unsure whether you can use your funding for music therapy, come and chat with us.
Visit the NDIS website for the latest update on music therapy & NDIS – Wednesday 10 September 2025.
Who we support
Our team of Registered Music Therapists work with people of all ages and abilities:
- Self-managed, Plan-managed and NDIA Managed participants.
- Children and families with early childhood plans.
- Adults with goals around mental health, communication, regulation, or connection.
We collaborate closely with other allied health professionals and your support team to ensure continuity of care.
Music therapy meets
NDIS capacity building
Communication
Supporting verbal and non-verbal expression, social communication and functional language.
Emotional regulation
Building tools to regulate emotions, develop coping strategies and maintain mood regulation.
Cognition and attention
Enhancing memory, sequencing, focus and cognitive flexibility through structured and improvised musical tasks.
Physical development
Encouraging gross and fine motor coordination, movement and body awareness through music.
Sensory processing
Integration of the sensory systems (auditory, visual, tactile and vestibular) and building resilience to sensory stimuli.
Social connection
Strengthening social skills, peer interaction, shared attention and participation in groups.
Confidence and self-expression
Creating a safe space for choice-making, creativity, autonomy and personal identity through music.
Music therapy is
evidence based.
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.
How to get started
- 1 Complete our referral form.
- 2 We’ll be in touch to understand your
goals and preferences. - 3 We match you with a music therapist.
Book a
‘get to know us’ chat
Need help figuring out if you’re eligible or what funding category applies? We’re happy to talk it through.
Why choose Sound Expression
Our NDIS Registration
We are a fully NDIS registered provider and undergo regular independent audits to maintain compliance with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.
NDIS Provider Number: 4050007513
- We exceeded expectations in our NDIS audits, achieving “Conformity with elements of BEST PRACTICE” across 7 Practice Standards — demonstrating our commitment to innovative, responsive and continuously improving service delivery.
- All therapy sessions are delivered by Registered Music Therapists (RMTs), university-qualified and registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
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:
- Backed by clinical research.
- Delivered by fully qualified Registered Music Therapists.
- Personalised, inclusive and aligned with your goals.
- Designed to support skill-building beyond the session.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is music therapy covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Music Therapy is an NDIS therapeutic support under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
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:
- Singing or vocalising
- Instrumental play
- Movement to music
- Songwriting
- Listening and relaxation strategies
Our therapists adapt each session to meet each person’s energy, mood and goals.
Explore music therapy
Conveniently located next to a café in North Ryde, with plenty of parking out the front.
Get to know us chat
Ask questions, talk through your goals
Submit a referral form
We’ll guide you through the process
