Creating joy for Melica at home through music therapy

When staff at our Specialist Supported Living home in Mortdale first discovered Noro Music Therapy, they thought bringing music into the disability home would be an enjoyable activity for the residents with complex disabilities and high support needs. They were delighted by just how deeply one customer, Melica, connected with the sessions. Music therapy is now a much-anticipated highlight in Melica’s week, bringing her joy and positive interaction.

Melica’s love of music

Melica is visually impaired and non-verbal with a severe intellectual disability. Registered and enrolled nurses provide 24/7 support to her and her three housemates, all of whom have complex medical and support needs.

Although Melica loves interacting with people, finding activities that stimulate and engage her can be challenging. For almost a year, Melica has enjoyed music therapy delivered in the comfort of her home.

Organised by her support staff using Melica’s NDIS funding, Ben McKenzie, a Registered Music Therapist from Noro Music Therapy, comes weekly to work with Melica. He brings an array of musical instruments to play to Melica, providing opportunities for her to join in by shaking rattles, beating a drum or hitting a glockenspiel with support.

The joy the sessions bring to Melica is obvious. She smiles, laughs, turns her head towards Ben and waves her arms. For Ben, these are vital signs showing him Melica is connecting with what he is doing.

“Melica absolutely lights up when we play Elton John songs – they’ve become the soundtrack to our sessions,” Ben says.

“Music has become a powerful medium of expression for her, offering a bridge for meaningful social interactions that might otherwise be challenging. Through consistent sessions, I’ve observed her gradually becoming more comfortable taking initiative in our musical exchanges, which speaks volumes about her growing self-confidence.”

Ben likes to play guitar and sing to Melica. He also plays percussion instruments, such as djembe drum and glockenspiel, which have become favourites for Melica.

The therapeutic power of music

Melica’s mother Leila says, as a child, Melica loved music. When staff in Melica’s home suggested music therapy, Leila was happy for them to trial it. She’s thrilled her daughter is benefitting from the sessions and enjoys visiting Melica’s home to watch the interactions.

“If Melica likes something she will do it. If she senses someone is good to her, she will give them her attention,” Leila says, watching on as Melica smiles and laughs through a music therapy session.

Ben and the staff in Melica’s home are delighted the music therapy is having such a positive outcome for Melica.

Maree Gemmell, Nurse Unit Manager for Melica’s home says Melica gets visibly excited when she is reminded on Wednesday mornings that Ben is coming for music therapy.

“With Melica, we know [a reaction] is there but we don’t always see it. Ben and his music always gets a response from her,” Maree explains.

“She’s very interactive with the music. Ben and her have a nice relationship and Ben is able to bring out a lot in her,” she says.

Melica absolutely lights up when we play Elton John songs – they’ve become the soundtrack to our sessions.

Ben, Music Therapist

A rewarding job for Ben

For Ben, seeing a transformation in Melica is extremely rewarding.

“Melica’s mood visibly elevates. You can literally see the joy spreading across her face,” he says.

“She has this incredibly infectious laugh that fills the room. Her spontaneous smiles when connecting with her favourite songs and instruments tell me we’re on the right track.

“It’s profoundly fulfilling to see Melica thriving through music therapy. While many might view these sessions simply as something fun and uplifting—which they certainly are—the reality goes much deeper. Melica isn’t just having a ‘good time’; she’s actively developing crucial social skills in an environment that celebrates her strengths and makes communication accessible. Being part of that journey is an incredible privilege,” he says.

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