Ten years ago, MusicWorx became a Live Well San Diego Partner. Today, the organization celebrates a decade of collaboration and a growing legacy of music, connection, and wellness reaching across San Diego County.  

Founded in 1987 by Barbara Reuer, PhD, MT‑BC, MusicWorx has spent nearly four decades touching thousands of lives through the power of music therapy - a clinical, evidence‑based practice that supports people across medical, developmental, educational, and community settings. Over the past ten years, partnerships have expanded access, strengthened community well‑being, and opened new pathways for individuals and families to thrive. Together, these efforts have created a blooming landscape of support that continues to grow across the region - a reminder that when collaboration and care take root, the impact can keep expanding for years to come.  

Expanding Access Through San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)  

One of MusicWorx’s most transformative collaborations is with the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC). What began as a small Social Recreation Program offering has grown into a countywide pathway for connection and support. Since 2023, MusicWorx has served about 150 families and delivered 2,326 sessions in 2025 alone. Today, nearly 90 active clients receive services, with more than 100 on the waitlist.  

Families consistently share how music brightens mood, reduces stress, and strengthens communication. As Clinic Program Coordinator Seika Bishton (MT-BC) reflects, “I love hearing every family’s story…Music therapy sounds like just the right outlet for these families.” 

Supporting Students Where They Learn 

MusicWorx also brings wellness directly into schools. In 2025, therapists delivered more than 900 sessions across neuro-based programs and IEP services, supporting communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and academic readiness. Today, MusicWorx partners with 17 schools across 10 districts, ensuring students receive support where they learn, grow, and build relationships.

Training the Next Generation: A Ripple Effect Across the Country 

MusicWorx’s internship program has prepared nearly 200 music therapists nationwide. Many now lead programs, build businesses, and train future clinicians. One internship can influence one therapist - and one therapist can influence thousands of lives.  

Clinical partnerships deepen this impact. In 2025, MusicWorx provided 310 hospice sessions and supported more than 9,000 patient contacts across Scripps Hospital campuses. Music therapy helped patients regulate emotions, reduce stress, decrease pain, and feel connected during moments of vulnerability. For older adults, music therapy remains a familiar doorway to identity and joy. In 2025, MusicWorx facilitated 453 group sessions across senior centers and memory care communities, with measurable improvements in mood, communication, mobility, and cognitive orientation. 

Visibility and the Road Ahead 

In 2026, Founder and CEO Barbara Reuer received the Dr. Ami & Remo Belli Humanitarian Award for her life-long dedication to advancing healing through the arts, saying “The arts aren’t merely an enrichment of life; they are a vital pathway to healing, connection, and human dignity.” Visibility also grew through La Opinion’s 2025 feature on personalized music therapy for Mercedes Peck, a 100-year-old-resident living with cognitive challenges. As music therapist Hadley Rentz shared, “When she sings, she finds herself again.” A decade later, the question is bigger: 

What becomes possible when more people, organizations, and communities come together to expand access to music‑centered wellness? 

We invite you to join us on this incredible mission. 

Learn More / Get Involved

To learn more about MusicWorx’s programs, access services, or explore partnership opportunities, visit musicworxinc.com or contact us at 858-457-2201

Ten years ago, MusicWorx became a Live Well San Diego Partner. Today, the organization celebrates a decade of collaboration and a growing legacy of music, connection, and wellness reaching across San Diego County.