A singer turned music therapist
Claudia Jones is a passionate music therapist from New Zealand who is dedicated to making a positive impact in people’s lives. As a mother of two young children, Claudia understands the importance of nurturing and caring for others, which is why a career in music therapy seemed a natural choice for the former singer.
With a background in vocal performance and flute, Claudia’s journey into music therapy began during her time as a singer in London. She witnessed people of all ages enjoying and dancing to 1940’s swing music, and it was during her performances in old age care homes that she discovered the therapeutic power of music. Claudia was moved and inspired when she observed that even individuals with dementia, who had difficulty recalling details about their own lives, were still able to recite entire songs.
This eureka moment led Claudia to pursue a Master’s degree in Music Therapy in Hong Kong through the University of Melbourne in conjunction with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Today, she puts her expertise to work at the Family Zone Hong Kong, where she helps people of all ages heal, grow, and thrive through the power of music.
Music therapy offers unique benefits for both moms and infants
Claudia describes music therapy as “a form of therapy that uses music as a tool”. The therapists are musicians who understand the psychology, physiology and sociology of how our brains react to music. Effective as a standalone therapy, music therapy also works well as a complimentary form of treatment. For example, in music-assisted births, a music therapist is present working together with the doula, the partner and the midwife; the music helps enhance the mood and manage pain during labour.
As for the baby, when the fetus is 18 weeks in utero, they can already recognize the mother’s voice. As such, babies have a natural tendency to prefer the mother’s voice, as that’s what they are most familiar with. In situations where babies have to be in NICU and unable to experience physical touch, a mother’s singing offers familiar and much needed comfort.
The mother immensely benefits from singing too! When a mother sings, her dopamine levels (the hormone responsible for pleasure) increases while her cortisol (stress hormone) levels decrease; her breathing is regulated which in turn promotes relaxation.
No two music therapy sessions are alike, but all are goal-oriented
Claudia firmly believes that there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to music therapy. To ensure that each session is tailored to the client’s unique needs and goals, Claudia begins by establishing a clear objective with the individual prior to the start of the session. These goals can range from managing anxiety to healing from birth trauma, to feeling more connected with their baby.
The session itself is carefully structured to provide a safe and supportive environment for the client. Claudia starts with a “Hello piece”, a warm-up music to set the tone and ease the client into the session. This is followed by music-assisted relaxation that focuses on breath awareness, allowing the client to become more attuned to their body and emotions.
Next, Claudia moves into a singing, jamming, or humming session, depending on the client’s willingness and confidence. This activity allows the client to express themselves through music, and often serves as a powerful tool for unlocking hidden emotions. The rhythm and body language conveyed through playing instruments can reveal much about the client’s emotional state, providing valuable insight for Claudia to use in tailoring the session to their needs.
To ensure that each session has a clear beginning and end, Claudia provides a defined ending for each song, and always concludes with a “goodbye piece” or warm-down. Additionally, the client receives a report at the end of each session, summarizing the progress made and outlining areas for further exploration.
Overall, Claudia’s approach to music therapy is thoughtful, individualized, and highly effective, providing her clients with the tools they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
The music therapy with Claudia costs HKD750 per private one-on-one session. Couple, family or group sessions are also available. For more information, please visit the Family Zone website.
Let music become a ritual in your life
When asked about her advice for new moms, Claudia enthusiastically recommended setting aside a fixed amount of time every day to sing and dance with your kids. She truly believes in the power of music to build lasting connections and feeling confident. She hopes to see these daily music sessions become a ritual that can be passed from generation to generation.
Sanchal Sanchayyan
Hello! I am Sanchal, a Hong Kong-Indian Medical graduate from HKU. My aim is to utilize my medical training and knowledge to produce bite-sized, well-researched articles to help parents make informed decisions. I am an avid reader, writer and traveller and hope to make a positive impact to thousands of lives in the decades to come!
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