Sound Bridge - Music Therapy

Introducing Sound Bridge: Music Therapy for Young Musicians

Starting on the 7th of October, Sound Bridge runs every Tuesday during the school term, from 4:30pm - 6pm, located in Te Aro.

Led by registered music therapist Rick Berry, Sound Bridge offers a space for creative connection, emotional expression, and musical collaboration.

Why Sound Bridge?

This isn’t just a jam session, it’s a therapeutic group grounded in evidence-based practice, designed to strengthen wellbeing through music.

🎵 Active music-making: Participants engage in improvisation, collaborative playing, and songwriting.

👥 Peer support: Group settings offer validation, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging that one-on-one therapy often can’t provide.

🌱 Identity development: Music becomes a safe medium for young people to explore who they are and express what words often can’t.

💛 Emotional wellbeing: Music therapy helps improve mood, emotional regulation, stress management, and overall mental health.

Who is it for?

• Rangatahi aged 12–18 who already identify as musicians (in any genre or style).

• Young people who would benefit from social connection, emotional support, and creative expression in a group setting.

Why refer?

Sound Bridge offers a low-risk, strengths-based approach to support mental health while honouring a young person’s musical identity. Participants build confidence, learn new ways to cope with challenges, and form meaningful connections—all through the joy of making music.

Meet the Facilitator

Rick Berry, a registered music therapist trained at the University of Melbourne, brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to his work. With experience in community, inpatient, and youth mental health settings across Australia and Aotearoa—including CAMHS, Oranga Tamariki, Te Whare o Matairangi, and Skylight. Rick is passionate about creating spaces where rangatahi feel seen, safe, and empowered. His approach is grounded, relatable, and responsive to the unique needs of young musicians navigating life’s challenges.

“I’ve seen how music creates connection and healing in ways that words often can’t. Sound Bridge is about using that power to build a supportive space for rangatahi to be heard, be themselves, and belong.”

Referrals are now open.

If you know a young person who might benefit, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Wellington-based | Ages 12–18 | Referral required

*Sound Bridge is running as a pilot programme in Term 4 of 2025.

For more information or to refer, email [email protected]