From Dr Mendel Kaelen
A development ecosystem for those working with music in therapeutic contexts
A structured programme of learning, practice and community for practitioners, facilitators and musicians deepening their therapeutic relationship with music.
The pathway
Each level builds on the last
A clear trajectory from foundational understanding to advanced practice, with a community of practitioners alongside you at every stage.
Foundations of Therapeutic Music
A nine-month immersive programme introducing the theoretical, perceptual and practical foundations of working with music in therapeutic contexts. Live cohort with fortnightly workshops, curated working groups and a community of fellow practitioners.
The Composers Programme
For those drawn toward composing therapeutic music. Focused composition work, feedback groups, a public deep listening ritual and 1:1 mentoring. Grounded in the same theoretical foundations, with composition at the centre.
The Working Group
For graduates of Level 1. A fortnightly gathering to go deeper together. Structured listening exercises, playlist design in triads, musical analysis, and case-based reflection where you bring your current practice to the group. This is where the learning moves into ongoing practice, held within a small and carefully curated community.
Who this is for
This pathway is open to anyone working with music therapeutically
No formal training in music or therapy is required. The programme draws practitioners, facilitators and musicians from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Therapists and guides
Working in clinical, therapeutic or psychedelic-assisted contexts where music plays an active role in the session.
Body and mind practitioners
Using music to hold space, regulate nervous systems or deepen experiential practice.
Musicians and producers
Deepening your relationship with music and how it moves people, whether you perform, produce or curate.
Students and researchers
Exploring the intersection of music, neuroscience, culture and human experience through academic or personal inquiry.
Students and graduates
A global community of practitioners
Each cohort is carefully curated to bring together a rich mix of professional backgrounds and lived experience. The people you learn alongside become a lasting part of your practice.
"Most striking to me has been the way the course explores not just therapeutic music, but the capacity of all music to be therapeutic, building a vivid and detailed picture of why that is, and what an understanding of it makes possible. These ideas have changed how I think about and listen to music, something I did not even imagine was possible."
Aidan, Composer and Producer
Your instructor
Dr Mendel Kaelen, PhD
Neuroscientist, musician and course creator.
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Internationally recognised for pioneering research on the therapeutic power of music, Mendel brings together 15+ years of research and practice across neuroscience, psychotherapy, anthropology and lived experience.
His platform Wavepaths has supported over 50,000 clinical sessions worldwide, and he has curated therapeutic playlists reaching more than 100,000 listeners.
Begin your journey
Ready to deepen how you relate to and work with music?
The next cohort of Foundations of Therapeutic Music opens September 2026. Early bird pricing available until 31 May.