My Work
Explore how music therapy creates meaningful connections and transformative experiences across different settings. From ongoing clinical work to community workshops, see the power of music in action.
Clinical Work Highlights
Snapshots from ongoing music therapy sessions and programs where individuals work toward their therapeutic goals through music.
Weekly Music Therapy Groups at Journey Recovery Centre
Every week, I facilitate music therapy group sessions at Journey Recovery Centre, working with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. These sessions offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where clients can explore emotions, reconnect with themselves, and build resilience through rhythm, songwriting, guided listening, and improvisation.
Grounded in mindfulness and trauma-informed care, the work focuses on developing emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a sense of connection - both internally and with others. For many participants, music becomes a powerful tool for expression and healing in moments when words may not be enough.
Monthly Dementia Support Sessions at Livewell Bryanston Estate
I facilitate music therapy sessions at a dementia clinic, using music to support cognitive stimulation, emotional expression, and quality of life in older adults. My work includes singing familiar songs, rhythmic engagement, and receptive music experiences to support memory recall, orientation, social connection, and emotional well-being. Sessions are adapted to meet varying stages of cognitive decline and focus on maintaining dignity, identity, and meaningful engagement.
“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!”
-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 involved 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.
Weekly Adolescent Music Therapy Sessions
Setting: Ububele Education and Psychotherapy Trust
I facilitate weekly therapeutic group sessions for adolescents on the therapy waiting list, providing a supportive space for emotional expression, peer connection, and coping skills development. Sessions incorporated music therapy, mindfulness, and creative arts processes to support emotional regulation, identity exploration, and resilience while participants awaited individual therapy.
Workshops & Community Events
Team-building workshops, wellness programs, and community events where groups experience the benefits of music therapy together.
Corporate Wellness Workshop – Monocle Solutions
Date: 13 September 2025
I facilitated a corporate wellness experience focused on stress management, emotional well-being, and team connection through music, mindfulness, and collaborative creative processes. This included a facilitated drum circle to promote rhythmic regulation, non-verbal communication, and group cohesion, as well as a collaborative art experience where participants co-created a visual piece reflecting shared wellbeing themes and team strengths.
Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy for Pastoral Care Team
Date: 20 July 2025
I facilitated a mindfulness-based music therapy session for the pastoral care team at a private school in Johannesburg. The session created a space for the team to pause, reconnect, and access practical tools for managing stress, supporting emotional regulation, and fostering inner calm.
"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
Staff Wellness Session at Dainfern College
Date: 6 June 2025
I had the privilege of facilitating a mindfulness-based music therapy session for the staff at Dainfern College, focused on stress relief, grounding, and connection. The session blended accessible rhythm-based activities with guided reflection and mindfulness practices, creating space for the team to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with themselves and one another outside of their usual roles.
This session also formed part of the school’s Neurodiversity Day, where I integrated education on the application of music therapy in supporting neurodiverse learners. Teachers were equipped with practical tools they could use with both neurodiverse and neurotypical students to support emotional regulation, boost self-esteem, and foster grounding in the classroom environment.
Mindfulness Drumming Circle
Date: April-September 2025
I hosted mindfulness drumming circles at Nuru House Studio, a beautiful, calming space within the 44 Stanley lifestyle precinct in Johannesburg. As a registered music therapist, I created the sessions to blend rhythmic drumming with simple, accessible mindfulness techniques - no meditation or musical experience required. It offered a refreshing and grounded midweek reset for those needing to de-stress, reconnect, and release tension.
"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
Interested in Music Therapy?
Whether you're looking for ongoing clinical support or want to host a wellness workshop for your team or community, contact me to discuss how music therapy can meet your needs.