Thrive Music Services

music therapy, lessons, and entertainment

"Where words fail, music speaks."

Hans Christian Andersen

A Bit About Music Therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy can be defined as "...the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program." So what does that mean? It means that everything we do in a music therapy session - every song we sing, every activity I facilitate, every discussion we have - is research-based. Music has the unique ability to act as a therapeutic medium in a fun and non-threatening manner. A child who struggles with social interaction can enjoy beginning each session with a "hello song" to help greeting others become less intimidating. A senior adult diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease can have a moment of rest and peace (and effective brain stimulation!), joining the music therapist in singing a hit from his or her 20s. A music therapist can help an adult with anxiety or depression process difficult feelings through songwriting or discussing applicable songs. There are many more examples of how music therapy can help with a variety of issues. It means that a music therapist trained for years (both in a classroom and in the real world) and successfully passed an accredited board exam to do this work. It means that every action I take is specifically geared toward helping clients reach their goals! It means that music therapists care and that we have the capability and experience to help!

About Me

Board-Certified Music Therapist and Passionate, Dedicated Music Teacher/Performer

Hi, there! I'm Sarah-Kate Ross, a board-certified Music Therapist and trained teacher/performer in Little Rock, Arkansas. Depending on your needs, I can help guide you through life's twists and turns, using music as a tool. I truly care about my clients' well-being and work hard to ensure their best possible outcomes.

My biggest passion is working with senior adults — particularly those with dementia and Parkinson's disease. I believe this work is my calling. I use music therapy to stimulate memory, encourage movement, promote social interaction, strengthen sustained attention, lift mood, and reduce agitation. For Parkinson's patients, I use Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT®) techniques to help regulate gait and improve clarity of speech.

As a credentialed NMT® practitioner, my methods are grounded in neuroscience and evidence-based research — not just music. I currently facilitate a Parkinson's music therapy support group at UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) and have previously led a Parkinson's choir and a traumatic brain injury support group through UAMS programs. I also have extensive experience in stroke recovery, where music therapy supports the brain in forming new neural pathways and can be used alongside speech rehabilitation. I have presented on Music Therapy to professionals and patients' families both at UAMS and Alzheimer's Arkansas.

My clinical experience includes work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cystic fibrosis, anxiety/depression, histories of trauma, developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, and more. I've also worked with typically-functioning preschoolers to help them reach educational goals. My focus areas with adults include clients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, Williams Syndrome, various cancers, depression/anxiety or loneliness, and many others issues. I have a genuine passion and love for using music to help others and enrich their lives.

For my private lesson students, I will diligently work to help you reach your (or your child's) full, musical potential in a decidedly fun, light-hearted, and judgment-free atmosphere. Parents of students have used words such as "enthusiastic," "patient," "engaging," and "awesome" to describe me as a teacher. It fills my heart with joy to watch a student grow in their self-confidence and love of music.

I have many years of experience singing with/without accompaniment (guitar or piano) or playing solo cello at weddings and other special events. I cherish the opportunity to help create an unforgettable, elegant, and entertaining experience for your guests!

I graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA) from Centenary College of Louisiana with a degree in Vocal Performance and Cello. I completed an additional three years of music therapy training at St. Mary of the Woods College, maintaining placement on the Dean's List each semester. After finishing my classwork and field training, I earned the ability to sit for the Music Therapy Board Exam, which I successfully passed.

Please reach out with questions or for scheduling/booking through the contact form at the bottom of this page, call/text, or use the "get in touch button." There are descriptions and pricing for services listed for each category below (just click on the service you're curious about).

Get in Touch

"Thrive Music Services is amazing! My mom has dementia and she responds so well to the music. It is truly the highlight of her week. Sarah Kate is incredibly gifted and though my mom can barely talk-she lights up to her favorite songs, taps her feet and has even managed to sing a little. The results of music therapy are truly wonderful-if not miraculous."

- CF

"Sarah-Kate’s work at Thrive Music Services was a tremendous gift to my mother and to me. Her work with my mother enriched our lives with her music therapy, compassion, sensitivity, tender care, and keen perception. I am especially grateful that Sarah-Kate took the time to make me aware of even subtle changes in my mother's physical, mental, and psychological condition before medical workers were aware of her changing medical and social needs. I am so happy my mother was able to sing the music she so loved and listen to beautiful singing and playing. I so enjoy remembering my mother singing perfect alto harmony with Sarah-Kate, singing Gershwin and hymns and old fun tunes. It was inspiring. It gave my mother such pleasure in the last months of her life and in the sometimes very difficult challenges she faced in those last months. Thrive Music Services is truly a deeply meaningful treasure, a joy. I highly recommend it as a family member of an elderly person and as a social worker."

- RK