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TJ Hernandez

  • Primary Education and Secondary School:
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism, Identity work, and Mental Health.
  • Aged Care: Rest Home, Hospital, and Dementia work.
Wellington

TJ Hernandez Music Therapy

I am a first generation Filipino-Kiwi and a recently qualified music therapist. I gravitate towards person-centred and strengths-based approaches and I firmly believe that music can highlight the unique identities
of the people I have the pleasure of working with. I love seeing how music empowers people to discover their innate strengths and abilities!
Having been a carer for my late-Lola (“Grandma” in Tagalog) and autistic sibling, I can relate closely to the experience of having a family member(s) with additional support needs. It’s a passion of mine to advocate for our families to ensure they have access to the support they are after.

Accepting Private Work

Phone: +642102592929

Email: t.hernandez322@gmail.com

Instagram: Instagram

“Our daughter is non-verbal and it has been the greatest joy to hear her singing along and making sounds with TJ during sessions. TJ really believes in the power of music on the soul and it shows in the way he works with his clients.” – Haley (Client’s mother, private practice). “TJ is an accomplished musician with a clear passion for music. He take time to really connect with everyone and is universally respectful and compassionate […] at one session my partner spoke infant of the group in a way he hadn’t done anywhere else in over 12 months.” – Rachel (Dementia music group from TJ’s studies)

Hernandez, T. (2022). “Where are you from?” – Navigating Oppression, Power, and Privilege in Music Therapy Spaces: A Critical Autoethnography on Intersectional Identities. (Unpublished thesis. Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/thesis/_Where_are_you_from_-_Navigating_Oppression_Power_and_Privilege_in_Music_Therapy_Spaces_A_Critical_Autoethnography_on_Intersectional_Identities/24188922/1

Bachelor of Arts – Double Major in Music Studies and Psychology – Victoria University of Wellington

Master of Music Therapy – Victoria University of Wellington

NZ Registered Music Therapist
Member of Music Therapy New Zealand

Music Therapy has not only brought our daughter great improvements in motor planning, finger strength, communication and attention span, it has brought her great joy as well. There is no place she would rather be than in a room making music.
John and Emma - Hamilton, NZ
John and Emma - Hamilton, NZ
“Yesterday was one of the most rewarding when we had a visit from a Music Therapist. What a great experience. To see a whole group of residents joining in by either singing, requesting, conversing, or ‘playing’ an instrument was a very emotional experience. The communication between residents was great and it was obvious how well they responded…it was brilliant.”
Family Member - Hamilton, NZ
Family Member - Hamilton, NZ
“We feel privileged to be part of these groups and to witness the transformation that these sessions bring about…extremely moving and powerful…Music Therapy is priceless”.
Staff Member
Staff Member
“Every time I come to the house, David is ready to get in the car and go to Music Therapy with Shari."
Support Person
"My family have been thrilled with Liz’s Music Therapy and her regular reporting. Mum has dementia however I have noticed improvements in her cognitive functioning since she started her sessions with Liz. I know Mum enjoys her music sessions. I have no hesitation in recommending Liz – she has been a huge support in the care of my mother."
Family Member
"Thanks Megan. This is all a slice of perfect in a very crazy crazy world. So very glad we have kept this going for A."
“Pip has vast knowledge on how to engage and get results from children in her Music Therapy sessions. Her lessons are motivating and targeted for each individual child. Pip finds the just-right blend between the much needed structure that anchors and regulates our students, while always leaving room for improvisation, exploration, and musical adventures co-created with the students. Her communication with the family and team that supports the child is second to none, taking an interest in using strategies that work within the school/home setting as well as sharing strategies that go well in each session”
Justine SENCO Newtown School

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Email: info@musictherapy.org.nz

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