About Us

LA Musica Therapy is a Regional Center Service Provider.

LA Musica Therapy provides individualized and group-based music lessons and music therapy for individuals with special needs.

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Our mission is to promote wellness and a better quality life in people through safe and enjoyable  clinical-based music lessons and music therapy interventions.

All of our programs and services stay in compliance with  The Certification Board For Music Therapist (CBMT) Code of Professional Practice; Standards, Policies and Procedures.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale.

Ricardo is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.

With over 25 years of experience, R specializes in providing music lessons and therapeutic sessions tailored to both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, including those with special needs. His expertise extends to working with a wide range of populations, such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome (DS), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Stroke (CVA), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD), and other neurological and developmental conditions that affect communication, cognition, and mobility.

Ricardo's unique approach combines his extensive experience with a deep understanding of each individual’s needs, making music therapy an enriching and transformative experience for all his clients.

Ricardo has displayed a profound passion for pioneering innovative approaches to the integration of music therapy and music education. As a testament to this commitment, he has pioneered the Cyberstra Method™ (formerly known as the Cyber Orchestra Method), a virtual music education program tailored for mainstream classrooms. This program not only imparts fundamental music education concepts and standards but also fosters an inclusive keyboard-orchestra ensemble experience, thoughtfully adapted to meet the unique needs of learners, including those with special requirements.

Additionally, Ricardo held the role of conference clinician at the 2019 Music Meets Medicine Conference hosted by Molloy College in New York, organized by the Interdisciplinary Society of Quantitative Research on Music and Medicine (ISQRMM). At the conference, Ricardo presented research findings that resulted from a collaborative effort with the Director of Music Therapy at the University of Georgia.

Ricardo also has experience as a Special Needs Department Representative in California's Special Education sector. Furthermore, he has showcased his expertise as a clinician at the Music Educator Association (CMEA) Southwestern Conferences in both 2019 and 2020.

Ricardo diligently upholds full compliance with the requisite continuing education and standards procedures mandated by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

For Music Therapy Board Certification  verification please click:

CBMT Certified Music Therapist Search 

Watch Video from Ricardo Hurtado

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Nicole is a dedicated and empathic Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) who studied at California State University, Northridge and completed her internship at Professional Child Development Associated (PCDA) in Pasadena, CA. She began her musical journey through playing the flute in marching band and always felt a calling to help others.

Throughout her career, Nicole has honed her skills in working with diverse populations including neurodiverse children and teens, mental health, recovery, and trauma cases. Her experiences have equipped her with a deep understanding of the nuanced needs and challenges that individuals face on their healing journeys. 

In her practice, Nicole utilizes a combination of the (DIR) Floortime model integrated with a humanistic approach, emphasizing warmth, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. By fostering meaningful connections and tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, Nicole creates a safe and nurturing space for exploration and growth. Nicole is excited to join the LA Musica team and utilize her diverse skill set and leadership experiences to support the growth of both her clients and the LA Musica team!

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Akilah is a Music Therapist Board Certified and holds a Masters of Music, Music Therapy Degree from the Illinois State University.

Akilah hails from Chicago, IL and has been a resident of Los Angeles, CA for almost nine years after pursuing her music therapy internship in 2014 at PCDA in Pasadena, CA. 

Akilah has enjoyed working with children for a long time. She has a background in music education, as she taught general music to children in grades K-6 for two years before pursuing her music therapy degree from Illinois State University in 2012. 

Akilah started her music therapy career working with neurodiverse children before transitioning to working in mental health with adults in inpatient psych as well as in addiction recovery. 

As a music therapist, Akilah has had the opportunity to attend trips internationally to speak on and provide music therapy services in Kenya, Uganda, and Thailand. 

During the early part of the pandemic, Akilah provided virtual music and movement classes as a Zumbini instructor, working with children ages 0-5.

Akilah worked in inpatient psych for five years before transitioning back to her first love of working with children. 

She is happy to be a part of the LA Musica Therapy team and looks forward to continuing to grow her skillset with the company. 

In her free time, Akilah enjoys serving with her music organization, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women, and her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Stefanie Li is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Piano Teacher based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Stefanie embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of three, beginning her lifelong passion for the piano. Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she brings a rich cultural and linguistic background to her practice.

Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Hong Kong Baptist University and later pursued her Master of Music Education in Music Therapy at the University of Kansas. Her educational journey equipped her with a robust foundation in both music and therapy, which she skillfully combines in her professional work.

With a profound commitment to working with the pediatric population, Stefanie specializes in serving children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and their families through her clinical practice. Her work is driven by a heartfelt dedication to improving the lives of these children and their families through the transformative power of music therapy.

As a devoted music educator and accomplished pianist, Stefanie extended her influence by publishing her master's thesis, which delves into innovative approaches to support music therapists and piano teachers in facilitating adaptive piano lessons for children with special needs. Her research reflects her unwavering belief that all children, regardless of their challenges, deserve the opportunity to discover the joy and beauty of making music in their lives.

In essence, Stefanie Li combines her diverse cultural background, rigorous education, and deep-seated passion to create a harmonious world of music for the young and the exceptional.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Gohar Matevosyan is a accomplished music therapist, holding a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy from the esteemed SRH University Heidelberg in Germany. Proficient in Armenian, Russian, and English, she infuses her practice with a wealth of cultural and language diversity. Her professional journey is marked by a profound dedication to utilizing music as a therapeutic tool, fostering healing and growth in diverse populations.

During her academic tenure, Gohar undertook transformative internships in Germany and Luxembourg, where she provided invaluable support to Ukrainian children, unaccompanied minors, and adults residing in large refugee camps. In Armenia, her efforts extended to assisting soldiers and veterans grappling with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as conducting individual and group music therapy sessions for the mothers of fallen soldiers.

Demonstrating her versatility and commitment to music education, Gohar has also contributed significantly to music schools in Armenia and Germany, imparting her expertise in kamancha and vocal instruction over several years.

In June 2023, Gohar embarked on a new chapter in her professional journey, relocating to Los Angeles to further her impact in the United States. This move was driven by her unwavering passion for mental health advocacy and her desire to align her career with her intrinsic values.

Prior to her focus on music therapy, Gohar excelled in the realm of finance and banking, leveraging her exceptional skills honed over more than eight years. However, the global pandemic served as a catalyst for her to realign her professional trajectory with her true calling in mental health advocacy.

Since February 2024, Gohar has been an integral part of LA Musica Therapy, contributing her wealth of experience and enthusiasm as an intern. She is eager to continue her journey of learning and growth alongside our esteemed team, embodying a commitment to excellence and compassion in her practice.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Amanda is a Music Therapist Board Certified  who has recently completed her Music Therapy internship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles following completion of the Music Therapy equivalency certificate program at Cal State Northridge. Prior to this, Amanda also obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies with emphasis on piano performance.

Throughout her educational career, Amanda has worked with a wide range of ages, from infants and children to teens to older adults. She is experienced in providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, a variety of medical conditions including traumatic brain injury and cancer patients, and mid- to late-stage dementia. Amanda finds herself always immersed in the latest research within the field of Music Therapy, and brings immense passion and a humanistic, strengths-based approach into her work.

Amanda’s love for music began in her early childhood years, and grew as she discovered the wide variety of styles and settings in which she could play—including jazz and Latin ensembles, musical theatre productions, classical and orchestral ensembles, church choirs and worship teams, pop and singer-songwriter duos, and more. Having experienced the power of music both personally and professionally in the therapeutic setting, she is excited to now join the LA Musica Therapy team and grow alongside both her colleagues and clients!

Music Lessons and Music Therapy , Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Stephanie is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with over seven years of specialized experience working within the pediatric field. Her educational journey began at Berklee College of Music, where she earned her degree in Music Therapy, coupled with a minor in Psychology. During her time at Berklee, Stephanie honed her clinical skills and developed a deep understanding of the therapeutic power of music. 

Following her academic studies, Stephanie relocated to Pasadena, CA, where she completed a rigorous six-month internship that further solidified her dedication to supporting the pediatric population. This pivotal experience allowed her to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, refining her ability to cater to the unique emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of children.

Stephanie is known for her dynamic and integrative approach to therapy. She skillfully blends techniques from DIR Floortime, behavioral, and sensory integration therapies, tailoring each session to the individual needs of her clients. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the child’s entire environment and relationships to foster growth and development. Additionally, Stephanie holds a certification in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), a specialized credential that underscores her expertise in using music to stimulate and strengthen neural pathways in the brain, promoting cognitive and motor function in children with neurological conditions.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie is an avid animal and nature enthusiast. She finds joy and relaxation in exploring the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking through scenic trails with her loyal dog, Tony, or enjoying the tranquility of the beach with a good book in hand. Her love for nature and animals enriches her life and complements her therapeutic work, offering a balanced perspective that resonates with the families she serves.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy , Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Brittany Wardlaw reigns from the land of Platte City, Missouri. In
2017 she obtained her Music Therapy degree from Berklee College of
Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, she moved across the
country to complete her internship at Children’s Hospital of Los
Angeles in 2018.
 

In 2017, Brittany went on a Music Therapy service trip to Puerto Rico.
During this trip she advocated for Music Therapy in local schools, and
provided music therapy services at a senior living facility and a
hospital in San Pablo.
 

Brittany became a Board Certified Music Therapist in 2020, practicing
in Los Angeles, California. She worked at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital
as the Hospice Music Therapist on the Palliative Care Team. During her
time there, Brittany worked with patients diagnosed with terminal
illnesses including Advanced Cancer, Dementia, and Neurological
Diseases. She also presented to the nursing staff about what Music
Therapy is and how to make a referral within the hospital.
 

For the majority of her professional career, Brittany has been working
with adolescents with Depression, Anxiety and Addiction. She has also
worked with neurodiverse adults and adults with Schizophrenia,
incorporating drum circles, circle singing, and songwriting.
 

Brittany's primary instrument is piano, but is also proficient in:
acoustic guitar, ukulele, percussion, marimba and voice.
 

In her free time, Brittany enjoys reading while petting her adorable
senior cat, Cleo, going on hikes with her husband, and running in the
beautiful outdoors!

Music Lessons and Music Therapy , Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

Howard Dounn has extensive experience working in mental health and education serving children and families with special needs. He has spent over 30 years passionately helping people in different capacities. 

Howard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach and a  Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles

He started working as a residential counselor with special needs youth at The H.E.L.P. Group. For most of the next 20 years, aside from teaching elementary school for two years, Howard worked in residential treatment working with teenagers and adults as a case manager or counselor.  Subsequently, Howard worked as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist for two different programs at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services.

Howard has spent the last 10 years as a Developmental Therapist (first at Holding Hands, Inc then as an independent consultant) helping children  with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other development challenges such as Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Howard has provided services in the form of individual sessions as well as facilitating play groups utilizing primarily the DIR/Floortime modality. Through building solid  relationships (the “R” in DIR) Howard helps children achieve goals key to their social and emotional development. Additionally, Howard has completed assessments submitted to Regional Centers for services; facilitated social skills groups;  provided psychoeducational training for parents; and supported children in classrooms at schools and early childhood centers.

Howard is excited to be joining the LA Musica Therapy team with whom he collaborated in developing the Melodic Connections social skills program. He will be facilitating groups as well as providing individual DIR/Floortime sessions and facilitated therapeutic play groups.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy , Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale