Meraki Music, LLC's vision is to create positive change in individuals and the Houston community through music. We use music to reach individualized, functional goals.
For information on virtual music therapy offerings please visit www.melodiesforlearning.com which is our virtual arm of music therapy.
Meraki (meh-rah-kee) is a Greek adjective used to describe doing something with "soul, creativity, or love" and to put one's self into whatever you do. I started this company because I love helping people through music. I create music with my clients with soul, creativity, and love. This is music therapy with meraki.
The American Music Therapy Association describes music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based practice of using music to work on various non-musical goals. Common goal areas include improving language development, coping skills, fine and gross motor skills, increasing sustained and divided attention, improving social skills, and other areas. People of all ages and abilities can benefit from music therapy.
Music enrichment groups and classes are aimed at teaching children ukulele and guitar. The goal with these lessons is to instill an interest and love for music. Children will learn chords, basic theory, and basic songwriting during these sessions. My belief is that if you make music fun, children will naturally gravitate towards playing and learning. Music enrichment is viewed through a therapeutic lens with goals focused on improving social skills and self-expression.
I am a board-certified music therapist today because of my grandpa. He began attending music therapy sessions when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2009. Attending music therapy with him and my family opened my eyes to what music therapy can do and the positive effects it can have.
I received my bachelors from Texas Christian University then went on to receive my Masters in Music Education, emphasis in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. I passed my board-certification exam in 2015.
In addition to my Board Certification I am also a Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT). This title required additional training with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy. NMT training focuses on how music interacts with the brain.
I have experience working with a wide range of populations and in various settings. Clients I have served have a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, depression, bipolar, and eating disorder in locations including homes, clinics, hospitals, jails, and juvenile detention centers.
I take a client-centered, humanistic approach with music therapy. I provide high quality, research-based services to reach goals and enhance quality of life. Music therapy services are based on what the client and family need with short-term and long-term goals. Goals are developed in collaboration with family and music therapy assessments.
Nicole is a born and raised New Orleans gal who received her bachelors in music therapy from Loyola New Orleans. During her training she completed a six month internship in Florida working with hospice before settling in Houston after passing her board certification exam. Nicole enjoys working with a wide range of people from children to older adults. Nicole uses a people-centered, collaborative approach to music therapy when working with clients.
Mincai started playing piano at five and began voice training in high school. She earned a Bachelor's in Piano Performance in 2013, winning scholarships and competing in piano contests. She completed Orff certification in Hong Kong and participated in music therapy workshops during college, starting her journey in 2017. In 2022, she received a Master's in music therapy from Ohio University, focusing on surveying music therapists working with clients with Huntington's disease in her thesis.
During her master's practicum, Mincai showcased her adaptability by teaching students with diverse needs, including special needs and hearing impairments. She excels at recognizing individual strengths and seamlessly integrating her expertise into music therapy sessions, crafting personalized plans for each client with patience and skill. Mincai’s philosophies are client-centered, multicultural/culture-centered, and holistic. To develop better treatment for the client, Mincai tailor approaches to meet the client’s needs.
Mincai, a lifelong learner, enjoys practicing yoga and fingerpicking on the guitar.
Ryan grew up here in Houston and attend HSPVA before moving to New Orleans to pursue his bachelors in Music Therapy from Loyola New Orleans (same school and year as Nicole!). Ryan also studied Jazz while at Loyola and excels at improvisation on both guitar and piano. He completed his internship at the New Orleans Veterans Hospital. Ryan has recently completed the Neurological Music Therapy training to be an NMT certified music therapist. In his free time he is enjoying rediscovering Houston.
services for children and adults with various diagnoses to work towards specific goal areas
In-home music therapy services are available for individuals. I find individual music therapy sessions are best when working towards goals for language development, general gross and fine motor skills, self-expression, and coping skills.
Community groups are available for organizations including private schools, after school programs, daycares, dayhabs, and support groups. Music is used to help with a predetermined group goal ranging from socializing to expressive communication to frustration tolerance and beyond.
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