MUSIC THERAPY TORONTO is the clinical practice founded by Aaron Lightstone RP, MMT, MTA an award-winning musician, composer, psychotherapist, music therapist & educator. We provide service to individuals, communities and facilities in the Greater Toronto Area ( GTA) and beyond (via telemedicine). Music Therapy Toronto's founder, Aaron Lightstone is a pioneer in the delivery of Music Therapy by tele-medicine.
Music Therapy Toronto services include:
Music Therapy Toronto services include:
- Psychotherapy
- Neurologic rehabilitation services
- Music therapy
- Music-based recreation programs
- Adapted music education programs
Clientele
Our clients include individuals who are recovering from an acquired brain injury, mental-health challenge or living with a neuro-degenerative disorder ( Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia). We our care is trauma-informed and we work closely with health-care facilities, hospitals, and other organizations dedicated to music and wellness.
In addition to his clinical work, Aaron is active as a music director for groups with a range of ability. He is the music director for the Bliss Symbolics iBand, and choir director for the REENA All Star Choir. The iBand is a community music group of adults with Cerebral Palsy who gather each week to learn to play music together using virtual instruments on iPads. Recently a 5 minute micro-documentary was made about the iBand. This video was a finalist at the film festival at the 2018 ISAAC conference in Australia. The Reena All-Star Choir is a singing group comprised of Reena supported individuals. (https://reena.org/about/ )Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.
Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. Since that time Reena has grown to provide support for 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy.
During 2018-2020, Aaron (along with GRAMMY nominated Justin Gray) was a creative -lead for the Room 217 Foundation. Room 217 is an innovative Arts & Health organization that is dedicated to transforming health care through the greater acceptance and use of music in care settings. Aaron and Justin co-led a team of over 25 musicians and technicians to create 6 albums of original, culturally informed music for health care settings. This collection of new, intercultural relaxation music won the award for "Innovation of the Year" at the 2022, McGill International Palliative Care Conference.
In addition to his clinical work, Aaron is active as a music director for groups with a range of ability. He is the music director for the Bliss Symbolics iBand, and choir director for the REENA All Star Choir. The iBand is a community music group of adults with Cerebral Palsy who gather each week to learn to play music together using virtual instruments on iPads. Recently a 5 minute micro-documentary was made about the iBand. This video was a finalist at the film festival at the 2018 ISAAC conference in Australia. The Reena All-Star Choir is a singing group comprised of Reena supported individuals. (https://reena.org/about/ )Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.
Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. Since that time Reena has grown to provide support for 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy.
During 2018-2020, Aaron (along with GRAMMY nominated Justin Gray) was a creative -lead for the Room 217 Foundation. Room 217 is an innovative Arts & Health organization that is dedicated to transforming health care through the greater acceptance and use of music in care settings. Aaron and Justin co-led a team of over 25 musicians and technicians to create 6 albums of original, culturally informed music for health care settings. This collection of new, intercultural relaxation music won the award for "Innovation of the Year" at the 2022, McGill International Palliative Care Conference.
Some of our current and past long-term contracts include:
The Room 217 Foundation
St. Michael's Hospital ( inpatient mental-health and palliative care unit)
The Bliss iBand
Bliss Symbolics Institute of Canada
Sage Care Inc (147 Elder St.)
BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
JAZZ FM 91.1 Canada's only all JAZZ radio station.
Child Development Institute
Kensington Place Retirement Home
UnionVilla Long Term Care Centre
Amica of Thornhill
Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Music
Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Graduate Studies
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Pine River Institute
Kerry's Place Autism Services
The Marliegh Retirement Community
Canadian Mental Health Association
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Sunrise Senior Living Facilities
Le'chaim Retirement Home
A Circle of Support
Circle of Care
Avro Academy
Shearim Hebrew Day School
Pedabhun Lodge
Na-Me-Res (The Native -Mens' -Residence)
Tumivut Youth Shelter
Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund
Ve'ahavta: The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian & Relief Committee
