Welcome
MUSIC THERAPY TORONTO provides neurologic rehabilitation services, music therapy, and music-psychotherapy to individuals, communities and facilities in the Greater Toronto Area ( GTA) and beyond (via telemedicine).
Aaron Lightstone, MMT, RP, MTA, NMT-Fellow is the founder and director of Music Therapy Toronto. He is an award-winning music therapist, musician, educator and researcher. Aaron holds Master of Music Therapy and Bachelor of Music Therapy degrees from the faculty of Music at Wildfrid Laurier University where he is occasionally a part-time faculty member (in the faculty of music and the faculty of graduate studies). He has extensive experience in the use of music as a therapeutic intervention in acquired brain injury, geriatrics, palliative care, addictions, autism, dementia, developmental disability, mental health care, and cerebral palsy. Aaron is a Registered Psychotherapist ( RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario ( CRPO). He is also a Fellow of the Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT-F) . He has a particular interest in the use of NMT for the treatment and rehabilitation of acquired brain injures. Aaron is a regulated health care provider and licensed with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), to provide rehabilitation services to individuals injured in motor vehicle collisions . Contact Aaron to find out how neurologic music therapy (NMT) can be an integral part of a comprehensive neurologic rehabilitation program related to a neurologic injury or disease. Aaron uses NMT and other music therapy techniques to facilitate neurologic rehabilitation for acquired brain injury ( ABI) as well degenerative neurological conditions (dementia, Parkinson's) and congenital neurological disorders (cerebral palsy, autism, developmental disability etc). Aaron provides music therapy and music-psychotherapy services for psycho-social, mental health, and recreational support to a variety of health-care and educational settings including hospitals, group homes, addictions treatment centres, homeless shelters, schools, and long term care settings. Organizations and individuals choose Aaron because Aaron's expertise in music therapy;
Music therapy can also be used to serve corporate clients as an innovative approach to EAPs/EFAPS (Employee & Family Assistance Programs) and ESPs (Employee support programs). When employees are struggling with addictions, mental health challenges, stress of being a caregiver for an aging parent or disabled child, music therapy can be an effective, non-threatening intervention. Contact Aaron to find out more about how music therapy can have a positive impact in your rehabilitation planning, business, geriatric centre, addictions treatment centre, school, group home, drop in-centre, shelter, etc. Aaron can be reached at 416 702 1797 or aaron(at)lightstonemusic(dot)com, or through the contact form at the right. Memberships
Aaron is a member in good standing, and Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the new College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario ( CRPO).
Aaron is also a member of the following professional associations: Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) Ontario Rehabilitation Alliance ( ORA) Music Therapy Association of Ontario (MTAO) Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy American Federation of Musicians (AFM, LOCAL 1000) Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) (AKA the JUNO awards) National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) (AKA the Grammy Awards) Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Current Clientele
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Aaron currently visits individuals at home for 1:1 music therapy. Most of these visits are for people who are recovering from an Acquired Brain Injury, elders who are coping with dementia, or people who are on the Autism spectrum. Aaron is also the music director for the Bliss Symbolics iBand. The iBand is a 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 microdocumentary was made about the iBand. This video was a finalist at the recent film festival at the ISAAC conference in Australia. Aaron Lightstone has fulfilled contracts or provided services to the following facilities and communities: St. Michael's Hospital ( inpatient mental-health) The Bliss iBand Bliss Symbolics Institute of Canada Sage Care Inc (147 Elder St.) BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre JAZZ FM 91.1www.jazz.fm/ 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 Academy C-60 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 Solo Concerts for Seniors Aaron also provides engaging concerts for seniors on a regular or semi-regular basis to the following: City of Toronto Long Term Care (LTC) Centres Sienna ( formerly Leisure World LTC centres) Revera Retirement Homes Chartwell Retirement Homes |
Endorsements and Media
CLICK HERE TO READ AARON'S FEATURE ARTICLE ON MUSIC THERAPY FOR CANADIAN MUSICIAN MAGAZINE (2014).
Click here to read about Aaron's work in palliative care. "Aaron's gift in music is awesome. He could calm the troubled spirit of our residents afflicted with Dementia and could change the whole atmosphere with joy and peace. He is a very important part of the professional team on our unit." - Nurse Team Leader "When my family decided to move my grandfather out of his house, they researched care facilities extensively and I think one of the main reasons they selected Sage Care was how impressive the music program is and how engaged the residents are with music therapy. I know my parents were amazed to see a man who could barely express himself verbally, sing all the words to old familiar songs. It's too bad more facilities don't have music therapy available!"- Naturopathic Doctor and Granddaughter of a Long Term Care Resident "I recently sat in as Aaron conducted a session with my mother. I was amazed and blown away. Because of her dementia she is rarely able to put a coherent sentence together. Aaron amazed us by getting her to sing some of her old favorite songs. She can barely speak but in music therapy she can sing fluently and with so much joy" - Daughter of a long term care resident. "Both my kids went to see Aaron, and that's where they discovered their love for music. In the early grades my son asked me if he can go to a school that has music therapy everyday but only if Aaron leads. I never knew what music therapy was until Aaron showed me the results through my kids. I recommend him highly as a music therapist and I can say as well he is an incredible musician" -parent "Hi Aaron, I just wanted to thank you again for all your help with my father. It was amazing to see him react to recordings of his own music which would not have been possible without your technical expertise. This was especially important because it was one of the last times I was able to see him respond in such a profound manner. My family and I really appreciated all the effort you made and we hope that you continue to make similar connections with other patients. " - Son of a palliative care patient. Aaron is a warm, empathic and caring professional who relates well to people of all ages. He is able to synthesize his musical talent and interpersonal skills in his role as a music therapist, bringing out the best in his clients. -school principal Aaron makes music therapy a real living experience for our residents. He is a valued member of our interdisciplinary team. -patient care manager “My son worked closely with Aaron as he was exploring his talents as a young rap artist. Aaron's approach went beyond simply helping my son unlock his writing skills and creativity. Increased confidence and feeling more secure were lasting benefits in other aspects of this life. His therapeutic relationship with Aaron allowed my son to grow as a person after several difficult years. Several years later, he's still rapping.” - parent "Aaron's gift for music is contagious" - parent "Aaron's music programs just make us feel so alive" - participant in geriatric group music therapy program I have worked with Aaron both as student on the Master's of Music Therapy Program and as colleague. During the time I have known him he has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to his work as a music therapist. I supervised his major research paper on the clinical applications of rap and hip-hop. Aaron's excellent musical talents have also helped him to develop a successful career as an Oud player. I would strongly recommend him for any work as a music therapist.” - Colin Andrew Lee, Director and Professor of Music Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University |
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