What people are saying.

  • "Our school’s pastoral care team spent the morning with music therapist Emma Oelschig at our annual conference last week. From the drumming circle to the quieter reflective art space, the team had an incredible experience. The drumming brought us together with much fun, laughter, and some rhythm in between, and the guided quiet time allowed for space to breathe and reflect. Our team spends a great deal of time caring for others, so this quiet time for ourselves was greatly appreciated. Emma’s gentle presence and expertise allowed the team to feel safe and cared for as they took time for fun, team bonding, and quiet reflection time."

    — Juliet Glover, Executive Head of a Private School in Johannesburg

  • "I love the sessions and find them to be such a powerful modality of expression and healing. I love how Emma facilitates and leads the sessions. I’m more introverted in group settings and watching from the outside, I felt like the space allows for different personality types to be able to express themselves - the space she holds feels supportive and nurturing. I noted at the end people were out of their shells as opposed to in the beginning where some people walked in reserved."

    - Tiffany Lekuku, Founder and CEO of Nuru House

  • Livewell Bryanston - Dementia Care

    “Emma’s sessions include singing, clapping and playing musical instruments, all of which help improve our residents’ motor skills and encourage self-expression. She creates a fun, inclusive environment where all of our residents can participate. They always leave her sessions smiling!Description goes here”

    - Catherine Davies, Wellness Counsellor at Livewell.

    “Emma has an incredible energy about her! She is able to include all patients within her sessions, accommodating and adapting to cater to their physical and cognitive impairments. Her music evokes so many positive reactions and leaves our patients feeling uplifted!”

    - Erika Richardt, Occupational Therapist at Livewell.

    Emma is a remarkably knowledgeable Music Therapist with an evident passion for her profession and for working with people. With her natural intuition and infectious energy, she facilitates group Music Therapy sessions that are therapeutic, enjoyable, and inclusive for all our residents, regardless of their varying functional limitations. Emma's Music Therapy sessions provide physical stimulation through the movements invovled in playing instruments, cognitive and memory stimulation through her expert selection of the songs and music she presents in her sessions, and social stimulation by bringing all our residents together and creating a unique environment in which they can express themselves - all of which are vital in the management of Dementia. Emma also involves our residents' caregivers in her group therapy sessions, which further strengthens the bonds between our residents and their caregivers.

    - Alice Bostock, Lifestyle Manager and Occupational Therapist at Livewell.

In this heartfelt and informative conversation, I share my journey from classical violinist to registered music therapist with the HPCSA. I hold a Master’s degree in Music Therapy and an Honours in Psychology, and I spoke with Gavin K about how music powerfully impacts the brain, emotions, and healing.

I explained how music therapy can support people across the lifespan, from autistic children without speech to older adults living with dementia, emphasising that music meets people exactly where they are. I shared how I use drumming, improvisation, songwriting, and mindful music listening to foster connection, reduce stress, and support mental health.

Drawing on personal stories, I spoke about the science and soul of music, from how it can help regulate gait in Parkinson’s to how it can trigger memories in Alzheimer’s, and even soothe intrusive thoughts through mindful musical engagement.

I also highlighted the importance of cultural roots, noting that music has long been part of healing in African and Eastern traditions, well before Western science began to recognise its therapeutic value.