Welcome!

Greetings! I am Jesse Morgan, a dedicated board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This platform serves as the central hub for my private practice, Jesse Morgan Music Therapy. Through this initiative, I've established four distinct branches, all deeply rooted in the world of music and healing:

1. Music Therapy: Music Therapy involves the use of one or more of the four types of interventions (Receptive/Listening, Re-creation/Playing, Improvisation, and Composing/Songwriting) to assist you in achieving your personal goals. These goals may include increasing sociability, successfully navigating through grief, improving physical abilities, alleviating anxiety, enhancing joy, and fostering self-compassion, among others. Feel free to reach out to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how music therapy can help you meet your goals. Contact Jesse for rates or schedule your free 30-minute consultation now.

2. Music Education: With over 35 years of experience, I have been teaching music to individuals of all ages. I can help you express yourself through music, teaching various instruments, including piano (at all levels), beginning guitar, voice, ukulele, hand drums, and more. Lessons are tailored to the specific needs of each student and often cover aspects such as technique, theory, improvisation, ear-training, repertoire, musical literacy, and ensemble/band playing. Music Lessons are priced $45* per half-hour, while Adapted Music Lessons, which are considered music therapy, are available. Contact Jesse for rates or schedule your free 30-minute consultation now.

3. Music Performance: I offer solo piano performances for various occasions, including classical, rock, folk, experimental, jazz, Broadway, and more. Contact Jesse to schedule your a lesson now. Lessons are $45/half-hour.

4. Music Composition: I create music for a wide range of needs, including people, videos, events, organizations, products, campaigns, and more. Feel free to reach out to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss the music you require and how I can provide it for you.

With a professional journey spanning over three decades, I have accumulated extensive experience working closely with families in marginalized communities as well as in communities rich in resources. Regardless of available resources, therapy takes place within the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. I treat my clients with unconditional positive regard. The concept of unconditional positive regard signifies that clients are not required to prove their worthiness of respect.

In my work developing therapeutic programming, which includes client assessment, treatment goals, treatment plans, activity programs, activity implementation, and evaluation for individuals and communities, I strive to adhere to two key principles of community-building:

1. Meet people where they are (figuratively)

2. Plan with people you want to help, not for them.

An important aspect of my practice is Community Music Therapy—utilizing targeted musical interventions to enhance the well-being of communities. Our lives and struggles do not exist in isolation; we live within the context of our families, neighborhoods, regions, and nations. My diverse background provides me with valuable insight into this context, gained through roles such as a public high school English teacher, directorship of a youth-oriented rock music day camp, Peer Outreach Supervisor for homeless teens, and work in public libraries and various churches. As a testament to my dedication, I founded and managed a youth-centric community-driven nonprofit for an impactful six-year span, all while fulfilling my primary role as my children's caregiver. Each of these roles has granted me new perspectives on key sociological and psychological aspects that affect our well-being within our communities. My diverse experience has provided me with a wealth of skills and, importantly, perspective.

In addition to my private practice, I am an active performing musician involved in multiple bands and projects. I am a key player at Sid Gold's Request Room in Detroit and for Ear Candy Piano Karaoke. I continue to have a deep passion for teaching, improvisation, and composition. I use songwriting and composition as a means of processing the challenges and opportunities for personal growth that life presents. Additionally, I practice yoga daily and am in the process of incorporating a daily swimming routine into my life.

In my personal life, I find immense joy as a devoted father to my three children. My creative spirit thrives through songwriting and various forms of improvisation, particularly within the musical realm. My appetite for knowledge extends to a broad spectrum of literary genres.

Photo credits: Photos by Toko Shiiki-Santos, a professional photographer, documentary filmmaker, and musician, unless otherwise indicated.

*If necessary, please don't hesitate to inquire about my sliding scale for fees.