Beyond Music: How Peoples Music Therapy Is Building Connection, Confidence & Belonging
Location: 405 Columbia St
Hours: Mon—Thu & Saturday, from 10 am—8 pm | Fri-Sun, from 10 am—5 pm
Sometimes, healing begins with a conversation. Sometimes, it begins with a song.
In downtown New Westminster, Peoples Music Therapy is helping individuals of all ages discover the transformative power of music, not just as an art form, but as a pathway to connection, self-expression, confidence, and well-being.
Founded by music therapist Tyrone D. Barnes, a small private practice in 2016 has grown into today’s multidisciplinary organization serving individuals, families, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies across the Lower Mainland.
At its heart is a simple but powerful belief: Everyone deserves access to supportive, inclusive care that meets them where they are.
“Music has a unique ability to reach people in ways that words alone sometimes cannot.”
With experience in supporting clients with different needs and goals, from neurodiverse individuals, racialized communities, and LGBTQIA2S+ clients, to children, seniors, and families navigating life’s challenges, Peoples Music Therapy is creating a space where people can feel seen, heard, and valued.
What Exactly Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-informed use of music to support health, wellness, and therapeutic goals when provided by a certified Music Therapist Accredited (MTA).
Depending on a person's needs, music therapy can support: Emotional regulation, mental health and well-being, communication skills, social connection, cognitive functioning, physical rehabilitation, and quality of life.
Because music engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, it can create unique opportunities for self-expression, creativity, connection, joy, and healing.
Services Designed for Diverse Needs
One of the things that makes Peoples Music Therapy unique is its wide range of services tailored to different abilities, experiences, and goals.
Unlike traditional lessons, the studio also offers adaptive music lessons designed around the learner, art therapy through creative visual media, behaviour intervention using music-based strategies to help individuals work toward their behavioural health goals while building confidence and practical skills, and counselling services, including for parents whose children participate in music therapy sessions.
A Vision Rooted in Accessibility and Inclusion
The idea for Peoples Music Therapy emerged from Tyrone's desire to make music therapy more accessible and community-focused.
Throughout his career, he witnessed firsthand how transformative music could be for people of all ages and abilities. At the same time, he saw many individuals and families struggling to access specialized services that could make a difference in their lives.
“I wanted to build a practice that combined high-quality clinical care with a welcoming, inclusive environment where people could feel seen, heard, and supported.”
Today, that vision remains at the core of everything Peoples Music Therapy does.
By prioritizing inclusivity, cultural humility, accessibility, and trauma-informed care, the organization creates an environment where clients can focus on growth, healing, and connection without fear of judgment or exclusion.
When Music Becomes a Bridge
At the center of this image is Tyrone's childhood piano, displayed as part of the studio entrance decor.
For Tyrone, music therapy goes beyond making music. It's about creating opportunities for communication, emotional expression, and personal growth. What drew him to the profession was discovering that music could be used intentionally to support health, communication, and well-being. It's a philosophy that continues to inspire his work every day.
He's witnessed children speak their first words during sessions, seniors reconnect with profound memories through familiar songs, and individuals find safe ways to express emotions they had struggled to communicate for years. These moments, Tyrone says, never lose their impact.
A Story of Courage and Transformation
One client's journey has stayed with Tyrone long after the session ended.
Following a traumatic experience within the healthcare system, this person developed severe anxiety and communication challenges. Leaving their bedroom became nearly impossible. Recognizing the barriers they faced, Tyrone began providing in-home sessions.
Through music, trust, and consistent support, the client gradually gained confidence. Leaving the house, which once felt impossible, became achievable.
Today, they regularly attend sessions at the Peoples Music Therapy studio and enjoy participating in their community again. This story is one of the many examples of the impact of Tyrone and his team’s work and dedication.
Why Downtown New Westminster?
For Tyrone, choosing downtown New West was an easy decision. The neighbourhood's diversity, accessibility, and strong sense of community align perfectly with his business’ values.
“There’s a strong network of local businesses, service providers, organizations, and residents who genuinely care about making New Westminster a welcoming and inclusive place to live and work.”
That community-minded spirit continues to inspire Peoples Music Therapy's growth and its commitment to serving residents both locally and throughout the region.
🌟New Programs and Summer Opportunities🌟
If you've been curious about exploring music therapy or music education, now is a great time to connect:
Meet Your Music Therapist: Peoples Music Therapy currently has weekday openings between 11 am and 2 pm at their studio.
*Promo Code: Downtown New West newsletter subscribers and readers can receive a 20% introductory discount on sessions booked before August 31 by mentioning: ”Downtown New West BIA – 20% Discount"Youth Rock Band Program (Now Enrolling): Young musicians can experience what it's like to perform in a real band while building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and musicianship. No prior band experience is required.
Adult Guitar Group: A welcoming environment to learn, play, and connect with others at your own pace.
Free Consultations Available: Not sure where to start? Reach out to Peoples Music Therapy for a free consultation.
The Next Chapter
As Peoples Music Therapy continues to grow, Tyrone hopes to expand access to high-quality music therapy and adaptive music services throughout British Columbia while maintaining the personalized, client-centred care that defines the organization today. He aspires to continue helping more people access profound therapeutic and educational experiences through music.
As Tyrone beautifully puts it:
“Music belongs to everyone. It has the power to connect people across cultures, generations, abilities, and life experiences.”
