Additional language spoken: German

I was born into a very musical family. I took piano lessons at an early age, and began to sing and improvise. Music continued to play a large role in my life as I grew up, and I learned to play fiddle, accordion, and guitar along the way. At age 18, I spent a year at a music conservatory in Austria (my mother’s native land), studying piano and voice in Mozart country.

Many years later, when I was visiting a neighbor in the hospital who was dying of cancer, I brought my guitar along to play for her. I was stunned and humbled by how the music calmed and comforted her, and how the music became our way of communicating when words failed us.

Soon afterwards, I discovered the field of Music Therapy and enrolled in the Master’s program at Lesley University. There I learned and embraced the many techniques that music therapists use to connect with the innate music in every person, and to use that connection to fulfill the therapy needs of each individual. I love to act as a guide in helping my students and clients find their voice.

To further explore what Music Therapy is, please go to: www.musictherapy.org.

  • MT-BC, Music Therapist Board Certified
  • Neurological Music Therapist, November 2019
  • Health Rhythms Trained Facilitator
  • M.A. Lesley University, Cambridge, MA – Expressive Therapies and Mental Health Counseling – Music Therapy specialization
  • B.A. National University of Ireland, Maynooth – Honors degree in English and History
  • Previous work at McLean Hospital, Boston Institute for Arts Therapies, FLLAC, Educational Collaborative (Ayer), and Seven Hills Academy (Devens)

Remote Learning Guide: If your lessons with Monika Gibbons are being held remotely, please review these set-up recommendations and technology requirements.