Mainstay Music Therapy, Inc.

🎶 Our Team’s Favorite Music Therapy Ideas: “These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things”! 🎁

Music therapists—this one’s for you! Whether you’re looking to freshen up your music therapy session ideas, explore new instruments that spark engagement, or find creative tools that elevate your clinical work, our annual Favorite Things for Music Therapists list is here to inspire you.

Each year, our team shares the music therapy instruments, materials, and go-to resources that made the biggest impact in their sessions. This year’s list brings a blend of tried-and-true essentials, innovative tools, and fresh ideas designed to help you support your clients with confidence and creativity. See our 2024 List Here, 2023 List Here, and 2021 List Here (I don’t know what happened in 2022…)

If you’re hoping to bring more variety, intentionality, and fun into your sessions next year, you’re in the right place. Dive in and discover new music therapy session ideas, versatile materials, and therapist-approved favorites that can make a meaningful difference in your practice. 🎵✨

Get inspired by this year’s ultimate roundup of music therapy essentials and must-have tools! **note that all product links will direct you to the item on Amazon**

Favorite Things for Therapy Sessions

1. Guitar Pick Holder (Attached to the Guitar)
A simple but game-changing tool for sessions! Keeping picks within reach helps you transition smoothly between activities, reduces interruptions, and keeps your flow steady—especially when working with clients who benefit from keeping things moving!

2. AlphaNote Labels for Piano Keys
Perfect for clients who need visual support, these labels help reinforce note recognition, motor planning, and early music literacy. They’re especially helpful for adapted lessons, beginner players, and music-based interactions in sessions.

3. Wall-Mounted Sensory Tiles
These tactile, engaging tiles give clients an opportunity for sensory exploration while participating in music. Use them to support regulation, grounding, engagement, or as part of a movement-based intervention paired with rhythm.

4. Guitar-Shaped Spatulas (Used as an adapted Pick!)
A fun and unexpected favorite! These oversized “picks” can increase accessibility for clients with fine motor challenges and add a playful element to instrument exploration.

5. Xylophone
A classic essential that never disappoints. Xylophones offer clear visual spacing and strong auditory feedback, making them ideal for melodic exploration, motor sequencing, turn-taking, and improvisational play with clients of all ages.

6. Magna-Tiles
These versatile tiles can be integrated into color coded songwriting, sequencing, choice-making, and thematic play. Use them to build visual supports, structure a session, encourage collaboration, or add a creative twist to rhythm-based activities.

Favorite Things for the Therapist

7. Loops (Earplugs)
Loops will be on our list every year! Protect your hearing during loud sessions, group drumming, or extended instrument use without sacrificing sound quality. Your ears—and your regulation—will thank you. (here’s a concert db level option too)

8. PlaySpark Shirts
Cute, meaningful, and perfect for therapists who want wardrobe pieces that spark connection. These shirts add personality to your sessions and often serve as instant conversation starters with clients.

9. Dynamic Lynks Coping Tool Kit (Created for Music Therapists, by Music Therapists)
A great resource filled with regulation songs, grounding ideas, and music-centered strategies for clients of all ages. It’s one of those essentials you’ll use constantly in sessions!

10. Guitar-Themed Water Bottle
Music therapists are never without 1–3 drinks at all times. Stay hydrated in style with a water bottle featuring guitars—practical, fun, and totally on brand for your day-to-day.

11. Over-the-Back-Seat Trunk Organizer
Say goodbye to instruments rolling around your trunk. This organizer keeps all your session materials secure, tidy, and easy to grab so you can transition between locations without chaos.

12. Multi-Device Charging Cord
Charge all your stuff! From iPads to speakers to rechargeable instruments, this hub keeps your gear powered and ready for a full day of music therapy sessions—no more scrambling for outlets or losing cables.

Favorite Music Therapy Instruments

13. Create Your Own Maraca
A fun, hands-on way to engage clients! DIY maracas can be colored however you wish, making them perfect for rhythm exploration, fine motor work, and creative expression in sessions.

14. 8-in-1 Percussion Drum Kit
This all-in-one kit is perfect for multi-instrument exploration. It allows clients to experiment with rhythm, coordination, and timbre while keeping sessions dynamic and engaging. Great for both group and individual activities.

15. Cat Piano Keyboard (Cushy Cats That Play Pitched Tones)
Adorable and functional! This plush keyboard makes music exploration approachable for younger clients or anyone who benefits from a soft, tactile instrument. It encourages interaction and playful engagement.

16. Wooden Kalimba
A soothing and melodic instrument that’s easy to pick up and play. Kalimbas support fine motor skills, tonal recognition, and relaxation while allowing clients to create music with immediate, satisfying results.

17. Tiny Transportable Keyboard
Portable, lightweight, and perfect for therapy on the go. This small keyboard is ideal for travel, home visits, or mobile sessions, offering melodic play and improvisation opportunities anywhere.

18. Color-Coded Windchimes Xylophone
A visually engaging, easy to play, color-coded instrument. Perfect for teaching note patterns, rhythm, or simply adding a sensory-rich experience to sessions.

See our 2024 List Here, 2023 List Here, and 2021 List Here.

*As an Amazon Associate, Mainstay earns from qualifying purchases.*