Raukatauri Music Therapy client, Ryan
Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, the operator of Aotearoa’s only music therapy centres, has launched its first ever
Christmas fundraising campaign to ensure its clients a not-so-silent night in the years to come.
Since 2004, Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre has been enriching and developing lives through music therapy, offering a
quality, accessible service to all people, whatever their needs. Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist in
the healing and growth of people with emotional, intellectual, physical or social challenges.
“Music therapy is not about singing in tune or mastering a musical instrument, nor is it a luxury,” shares Rachel
Farrell, Raukatauri Music Therapy General Manager. “Our registered Music Therapists transforms lives, enabling
connections and wellbeing to people from all walks of life. It is our goal that our FaLa La La Moolah campaign will not only lead to a greater understanding what music therapy is but in turn how donations to Raukatauri
can directly impact clients and families.”
Due to their physical, cognitive, and behavioural challenges, many of RMTC’s clients cannot participate in community
activities such as sport, music lessons, drama and art. Music therapy provides them with the chance to express
themselves, develop independence, engage with their community, and develop meaningful relationships.
Music therapy sessions allow for self-expression, increased independence, and interpersonal engagement, all of which
contribute to the proven self-confidence and increased self-esteem benefits that music therapy provides and which is so
essential for all individuals like RMTC client Ryan.
Ryan’s Story:
After being shaken and thrown at 5 months old, Ryan’s family were told by doctors that he would never walk, talk, or see
again.
Ryan’s Grandmother Julie, recalls the early days supporting him, proactively researching how she could support her
unresponsive grandson. She discovered the “Mozart Effect”, with research showing that early childhood exposure to
classical music has a benefit on mental development. Combined with patterning and moving of Ryan’s limbs in different
way, by the age of 5 Ryan had finally learnt to walk.
When Julie discovered Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre in 2006, Ryan’s goals were concentration, verbal and vocal skills,
using two hands and sharing. Fast forward to today, his Grandmother is in awe of how much ‘non-verbal’ Ryan has to say.
“Music therapy this is the one thing that Ryan does well, Raukatauri is Ryans place!” Julie reflects. “He walks in as if
it is home and chats to everyone, asking what they had for dinner last night or whether they saw the rugby. Then he
heads into his session with his Music Therapist to truly express his feelings and emotions.
“Ryan will never be a singer in a choir, he will never proficiently play an instrument but he will always have a deep
love and understanding of music. The understanding that music is safe, he can do it, it is never wrong, nothing matters
when he is doing it. It is thanks to Raukatauri that Ryan has learnt this, his most important life lesson.”Donate to transform lives through music this Christmas:
This Christmas make a difference and spread cheer by giving the gift of a music therapy session and share the joy with
those who need it most. Your donation will enable sessions for clients like Ryan and can empower individuals to access
transformative sessions that truly change lives.
“Raukatauri subsidises the cost of sessions and does not turn anyone away because of an inability to pay,” shares
Rachel. “With no direct Government funding, we need to constantly raise funds to continue to subsidise our services and
make music therapy accessible for anyone. We see over 1,000 clients a week, and need to raise $55,000 to gift every
client a session this Christmas.”
By gifting a session, you're offering someone a chance to connect, engage and participate through music.
Every donation, no matter the size, count and makes a significant difference in the lives of Kiwis living with
disabilities. Your contribution to one of three dollar handles will help gift a music therapy session this Christmas:$55 – Gifts a subsidised music therapy session$140 – Gifts a full price music therapy session$310 – Gifts a day of outreach music therapy sessionsCustom amount
For more information on Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre’s
FaLa La La Moolah
Christmas fundraising campaign, please visit
. For more information on RMTC’s community events this festive season, please visit RMTC’s
or
.