Music With Purpose

Building Relationships, Resilience, and Recovery one note at a time

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Services

Group of women and children participating in a drum circle outdoors in a park with trees and buildings in the background.

Group Music Therapy

Group music therapy sessions in the Bay Area focus on goals determined by the shared needs of participants. Led by a board-certified music therapist, each group offers opportunities to strengthen interpersonal skills, build community, and connect through music. Participants engage in structured music activities and interventions tailored to support a wide range of goals, with the added benefit of peer-to-peer interaction that enhances growth, fosters a sense of belonging, and supports connection.

A young woman with long blonde hair playing guitar and singing to an elderly man lying in a hospital bed, reading a sheet of paper.

Individual Music Therapy

Individual music therapy sessions are personalized to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and musical preferences. Working 1:1 with a board-certified music therapist provides a focused and supportive environment where clients can explore music as a tool for achieving clinical and wellness goals. These sessions are available for children, teens, adults, and seniors across the Bay Area.

Three smiling people standing behind a table with music therapy supplies, including a prize wheel and stickers, at an indoor event. Two of them are holding musical instruments, a violin and a guitar. The table has a banner that reads 'Mount Diablo Music Therapy'.

Community Events

Music therapy for community events offers inclusive, engaging, and interactive experiences for participants of all ages and abilities. Whether through drum circles, workshops, or tabling events, Mount Diablo Music Therapy brings people together through music to promote team building, connection, and wellness. These events also help educate the community about the benefits of music therapy and advocate for its growing role in mental and physical well-being.

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People playing musical instruments, including a guitar, tambourine, and harmonica.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the use of music interventions specifically designed by a music therapist to address a client’s individual needs. At Mount Diablo Music Therapy, located in the Bay Area, sessions are delivered by trained professionals who complete extensive educational and clinical training to become board-certified music therapists, ensuring they meet rigorous standards of practice. Music therapists use music to meaningfully engage clients of all ages by targeting cognitive, communicative, emotional, mental, physical, social, educational, and spiritual objectives.

Several children and adults are playing drums with colorful, patterned drum heads in a music class or gathering.

What are sessions like?

Music therapy sessions at Mount Diablo Music Therapy typically last between thirty minutes and one hour. Each session is tailored to the client’s goals and may include musical elements such as singing, songwriting, instrument play, lyric analysis, improvisation, drumming, rhythmic activities, and movement to music.

Led by a board-certified music therapist, sessions can also incorporate music-assisted relaxation and meditation to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Music therapy can benefit people of all ages and abilities, from children and teens to adults and older adults, addressing a variety of conditions and promoting overall wellness.

If you’re interested in learning more about music therapy sessions in the Bay Area, or how they might support you, your loved one, or your organization, please reach out.

About Me

A woman with blonde hair, smiling outdoors in front of a house and blooming flowers during daytime.

Claire Baffico MA, MT-BC

I am a board-certified music therapist, and received a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy from the University of the Pacific. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from New York University and have been playing violin since the age of four. From a young age, my mother, an occupational therapist, played a significant role in nurturing my musical development. After her passing, I experienced firsthand the profound healing power of music, a realization that set me on the trajectory towards a career in music therapy.

I started Mount Diablo Music Therapy as a way to share my passion for music with others and empower people of all ages and abilities to harness the therapeutic effects of music. I currently specialize in providing music therapy to clients experiencing mental health challenges, aging adults, individuals in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and children with developmental disabilities.

Outside of music therapy, I serve as concertmaster and board member for the Community Women’s Orchestra based in Oakland, CA. I can also be found gigging at local bars with the orchestral prog-rock band My Evergreen Soul, showcasing the musical versatility that violin offers.

  • “Claire provided incredible classes for my daughter’s Down syndrome music therapy group. She has so much talent for various instruments and techniques, which kept the class interesting, energizing and engaging for all."

    Alyson, parent

  • "Claire offers numerous song activities that help draw out the young people with disabilities, that find it difficult to communicate."

    Joe, parent

  • "I love how gentle & patient she is with young infants & toddlers."

    Elisa, parent

  • "Claire has a wide range of skills to use during the sessions, which include guitar, drums and percussion, violin, adding in different dance and movement activities."

    Joe, parent

Let’s Connect

Mount Diablo Music Therapy is now offering services in Contra Costa County and the surrounding areas. To learn more about music therapy or to inquire about booking a session, please contact me.

Email:
claire@mountdiablomusictherapy.com