Music Therapy
Music therapists use music to address a variety of health-related needs including:
The FSPA’s music therapy services are provided by board certified music therapists (MT-BC’s), all of whom have clinical experience using evidenced-based musical practices to address health. Using the science of how music affects the brain and other areas of the body, the music is used to address non-musical goals such as: cognitive, physical, social or emotional needs. Sessions may include: improvisation, songwriting, group instrument play, music and movement, and structured music listening. No musical experience is required for individuals receiving the music therapy! Sessions takes place at the Flint School of Performing Arts and nearby community schools/facilities. Sessions are available for adults and children both in individual and group sessions.
To learn more information at the American Music Therapy Association’s website
Meet our Music Therapist, Janelle & Taieshia!
Janelle Ballard, MT-BC Music Therapy Department Chair – Janelle Ballard is a board-certified music therapist with over 20 years’ experience. Janelle studied piano as her major instrument and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy in 2002. She completed her clinical internship at Lexington Park Nursing Facility in Topeka, Kansas, working in the activity department. Over the years, Janelle has provided music therapy for adults with traumatic brain injury, children with autism spectrum disorders, and hospice patients. Janelle is excited to work with the music therapists at the Flint School of Performing Arts and to continue developing the music therapy program.
Taieshia Tindall – Music Therapist – Taieshia Tindall is from the small town of Adrian, Michigan. She has worked with other FSPA Faculty in the songwriting and music making process of the Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy with a minor in Business Management at Western Michigan University. Voice is her primary instrument with additional focus on guitar and piano. She interned at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care in Madison Heights, Michigan during her undergrad studies. She has had the privilege to work with various populations and diagnoses in facilities, schools, and after-school programs during her time at FIM Flint School of Performing Arts. She has also been a part of Career Days and presentations at local schools in the Flint area. She is looking forward to see the growth within the Music Therapy Department at FSPA in the future.
Katie Dunkelberger, MT-BC – Music Therapist – Katie Dunkelberger, MT-BC, a Seattle native, received her Bachelor’s of Music Therapy from The College of Wooster, in Wooster, OH and became a board-certified music therapist in 2022. During the 2021-2022 school year, Katie completed her pre-certification internship at Bridgeway Academy in Columbus, OH where she worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of disabilities including but not limited to Autism, ADHD, and OCD. During her time there, she facilitated individual, small group, and large group sessions as a part of an interdisciplinary team of teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Since 2021, Katie has also brought music therapy to the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, by providing group musical experience to their special needs and memory care programs.
Katie is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for her clients to support self-expression, self-advocacy, and creativity. Beyond music therapy, Katie enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time with her cat, Rosie.
Emily Dehem – Music Therapist, an FSPA board-certified music therapist, is a native of New Baltimore, MI. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy from Ohio University, as well as an added minor in Dance Somatic Studies. Her primary instrument is the clarinet. Emily completed her internship at FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation in Birmingham, MI, where she worked with children, adolescents, and adults with special needs. Groups were facilitated in schools-based settings, as well as private and small group sessions typically in the form of adapted music lessons. Emily enjoys making music accessible to everyone and supporting their creativity through the music created.