What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is an effective healthcare profession in which a credentialed music therapist utilizes music interventions to accomplish individualized non-musical goals. Music therapy is for all ages, abilities & skills levels, & happens in group or individual settings. Music & its elements (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, structure, pulse, timbre, texture, tempo, tonality, harmony) are the tools used during sessions. This can be in active ways including, but not limited to singing, drumming, songwriting, movement, & improvisation or may be passive such as therapeutic listening & responding to live, client-preferred music.

Music therapy provides a clinical & evidence-based low-risk, high-value approach to numerous goals that is non-invasive, non-threatening, & non-pharmacological. A music therapist applies their training & skill to help others regain, maintain, or improve some level of function while addressing non-musical goals. Since music stimulates the ENTIRE brain, goals are not limited to one area, & may be cognitive, social, physical, emotional, spiritual, related to end of life care, or in a combination of areas.

A Music Therapist must complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in music therapy with 1,200 hours of clinical practicum, including a 1,040 hour professional internship before passing the board exam. The Certification Board for Music Therapists maintains a list of credentialed individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Meredith

I’m Meredith Whitlow, MMT, MT-BC, founder & owner of Rejoice Music Therapy, LLC based in Mooresville, NC. I began Rejoice because I believe whole-heartedly in the powerful impact and clinical efficacy of music and recognized the need for music therapy in my home community. I am a lifelong musician with a background in all things musical from church music to opera, instrumentalist to vocalist, & performer to director. I am a classically trained singer (UNC- Greensboro) & Master's level board-certified Music Therapist with a minor in Psychological Science (Queens University of Charlotte, Colorado State University). My 1,040-hour clinical internship was completed at Queens University Music Therapy Clinic & Atrium Health Mercy-Charlotte (formerly Mercy Hospital) in medical intensive care & in post & pre-operative care. I credit classical training, opera work, church musician roles, & even my marching band days with preparing me well to deliver my best every day as a clinician, a business owner, internship supervisor, & employer.

My professional music therapy background includes work across ages & diagnoses (although primarily adult medical & aging populations including end of life); public speaking, presenting, & guest lecturing on music therapy; internship supervision; & local state advocacy & legislation efforts.

Initially a solo endeavor, Rejoice Music Therapy began with faith & determination, reaching a small number of clients in the Mooresville, NC area. I am thankful to say that at the time of this writing Rejoice employs a team of board-certified music therapists in order to serve hundreds of clients across the state of North Carolina! Stay tuned to see where we grow next!

Meet the Rejoice Team

Spreading Music Therapy As Far As We Can Reach

Rejoice Music Therapy employs talented and compassionate board-certified music therapists to serve residents across the state of NC. Our ever-growing client list includes skilled nursing communities, memory care units, assisted living communities, adult day centers, community centers, and private homes. Rejoice is currently adding music therapists to the team, so please contact us to see if our services are available in your area.

JAMIE MOORE, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Jamie earned her music therapy degree from Appalachian State University & completed her clinical internship at Four Seasons Hospice in Flat Rock, NC. Her love of music developed over the years through the help of her family, church, & school band. In her free time, she loves to cook, listen to podcasts, & make memories with her family & friends. Jamie is the voice of Rejoice in the Greensboro, NC area.

CIYETZI TEVEPAUGH

Music Therapist

Ciyetzi attended Queens University of Charlotte, receiving a Bachelor of Music Therapy and a minor in both Psychology and Spanish. After completing a clinical internship with Rejoice Music Therapy she remains part of the team, serving clients in the Mooresville, NC area. Ciyetzi's love for music has grown & developed through musicianship & service at church, with her family, & as a student vocalist & performer.

ANNABEL MALONE

Music Therapy Intern

Rejoice welcomes Annabel from Marietta, Ohio as a music therapy intern beginning this fall. Check back for more information soon!