Music Therapy at Central Coast Conservatorium
Who are Music Therapists?
A Registered Music Therapist (RMT) in Australia is a music specialist who must complete a post-graduate Master’s qualification in Music Therapy. Additionally, they must complete 640 clinical hours with professional supervision to obtain registration. All RMT’s are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and are bound by the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics of the AMTA.
Our Music Therapists
Vanessa Ropa (Head of Music Therapy Program)
RMT, BMus(hons), MMus(perf)
Vanessa studied at Sydney Conservatorium where she completed a Bachelor of Music (first class honours) in 2007 and a Masters of Music (Performance) in 2009 and later, a Master of Music Therapy at The University of Melbourne. In 2013, Vanessa spent one month in India working for the Brett Lee MEWSIC Foundation setting up a music therapy program to help support children with cancer and their families. Vanessa’s music therapy experience in Australia includes working at Bear Cottage - a hospice for children with life limiting illness, Gosford Children’s Ward, Gosford Cancer Centre and The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Vanessa’s expertise focus is currently on working with early intervention parent and child groups, adolescents and cancer setting work.
Judy has worked and studied in education and music over the last 18 years and completed a Master of Arts in Music Therapy at The University of Technology, Sydney in 2011. Judy's music therapy experience includes working with people of all ages including young children with hearing impairment, children with autism, youth at risk, adults with mental illness and residents in aged care with dementia. Judy has taught keyboard in primary schools to children with and without disability, worked as a conductor and accompanist for the Australian Youth Choir (Newcastle Venue) and is currently completing a Bachelor of Music, Classical-Piano Performance at AIM (Australian Institute of Music). Judy provides music therapy services and teaches piano to children with autism at the Central Coast Conservatorium.Vanessa studied at Sydney Conservatorium where she completed a Bachelor of Music (first class honours) in 2007 and a Masters of Music (Performance) in 2009 and later, a Master of Music Therapy at The University of Melbourne. In 2013, Vanessa spent one month in India working for the Brett Lee MEWSIC Foundation setting up a music therapy program to help support children with cancer and their families. Vanessa’s music therapy experience in Australia includes working at Bear Cottage - a hospice for children with life limiting illness, Gosford Children’s Ward, Gosford Cancer Centre and The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Vanessa’s expertise focus is currently on working with early intervention parent and child groups, adolescents and cancer setting work.
About Us
Enrol Now
Term Dates
The Central Coast Conservatorium operates to NSW Department of Education School Gazetted Term dates
Term 1
Tuesday 28/1 to Thursday 9/4
(Saturday Strings concludes 4 April)
Term 2
Monday 27/4 to Saturday 4/7
(Saturday Strings concludes 27 June)
Term 3
Monday 20/7 to Saturday 26/9
(Saturday Strings concludes 19 September)
Term 4
Monday 12/10 to Saturday 19/12
(Saturday Strings concludes 12 December)
Mission Statement
We seek to inspire our Central Coast community to engage in and value music as an integral part of life through comprehensive music education and artistic endeavour.