THERAPEUTIC MUSIC COACHING
Therapeutic Music Coaching combines developmental coaching, personal exploration and original music to help people process meaningful experiences, uncover new perspectives and express what may be difficult to put into ordinary words.
Music can reach parts of an experience that conversation alone may not access. A lyric, melody or image can help us recognize what we are feeling, give language to something that has remained unspoken, and see a familiar story from a different angle.
This highly personalized program may be helpful if you are processing grief or change, working through a difficult experience, honouring someone or something deeply meaningful, or reconnecting with a creative part of yourself. The process culminates in an original, professionally produced song that captures your story in your own voice.
you don’t need any MUSICAL OR SONGWRITING EXPERIENCE
You do not need to know how to write lyrics, compose music or sing. Leslie guides you through the full process, beginning with coaching conversations that help you explore your story, experiences and emotions.
Together, you shape those discoveries into original lyrics. Leslie then composes the music and prepares you for the recording process. At Soundcreation Studio, Leslie and co-producer Scott Walsh help bring the song to life through instrumentation, vocals and professional audio production.
This completely personalized program is designed to meet you where you are, in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive collaboration. Anchored in the Integral Coaching™ Method, the experience is designed around you and the story you want to tell. Some participants sing their own songs; others choose to work with a professional vocalist. Either way, you leave with a finished, professionally produced recording that captures something deeply meaningful in a form you can revisit, share or keep entirely private.
HOW IT WORKS
The program moves through three stages: exploring your story, creating the song, and bringing it to life in the recording studio. The timing and creative choices are adapted to you and the song you want to create.
Writing sessions
Located at Leslie Rohonczy Studio | OTTAWA Canada
COACHING, WRITING AND COMPOSITION
INTAKE CONVERSATION | We begin with a 30-minute conversation to explore what you may want your song to express, answer your questions and plan the sessions.
DISCOVERY AND WRITING SESSIONS | Through two private coaching and writing sessions at Leslie Rohonczy Studio in Ottawa, we explore your story, identify meaningful themes and develop the lyrics together. We also make decisions about the song’s structure, genre, tempo, vocal approach and production style.
MUSIC COMPOSITION | Between sessions, Leslie composes original music shaped by the story, emotional tone and creative direction established during your conversations.
ADDITIONAL WRITING SUPPORT| If the song requires more development, additional writing sessions can be scheduled at the current hourly rate.
recording studio sessions
Located at Soundcreation Studio | OTTAWA Canada
with Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh
RECORDING AND PRODUCTION | Recording takes place at Soundcreation Studio in Ottawa with Leslie and co-producer, musician and audio engineer Scott Walsh.
CREATING AND RECORDING THE SONG | During the first studio session, Leslie and Scott build the musical arrangement and record the instruments and vocals. You may sing your own lead vocal, contribute creative ideas and participate in the recording process at a level that feels comfortable to you. A professional vocalist can also be arranged if you prefer not to sing the finished song yourself.
REVISIONS, MIXING AND MASTERING | The second studio session is used to refine the recording, balance the tracks and complete the final mix and master. You receive a professionally produced digital recording of your original song.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION TIME | Some songs require additional studio or production time because of their complexity or the number of instruments and vocal tracks involved. Any additional work will be discussed with you before proceeding.
Music Video Production
Various locations with our Video Partners.
OPTIONAL MUSIC VIDEO | If you would like visuals to accompany your finished song, Leslie can connect you with a video-production partner. The format, scope and cost will be discussed separately based on the kind of video you want to create.
HEAR SONGS CREATED WITH REAL CLIENTS
READY TO CREATE A SONG FROM YOUR OWN STORY?
Every song begins with a story, experience or emotion that matters. Let’s talk about what you may want to express and whether Therapeutic Music Coaching feels like the right process for you.
HEAR MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS
In this in-depth conversation with Jennifer Carr, Leslie discusses the Song Stories program, the role of intuition in coaching and music, and how the two disciplines can work together: CONNECTED CONVERSATIONS FOR CREATIVES PODCAST: Leslie Rohonczy (also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
“I was blown away by my experience with Scott and Leslie. This dynamic duo held my heart with such tenderness while I found the courage to write what had been longing to be shared and to sing what had never been spoken. If you are looking for a creative and compassionate way to explore, gain insight or excavate meaning, I would urge you to connect with Leslie and Scott. This experience has been so deeply meaningful and will continue to reverberate for years to come as I continue on my grief journey.” — DINA BELL-LAROCHE (Grief Coach) | Listen to Dina’s song ‘Before and After’ on YouTube.
“My gratitude is never ending to Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh, both supremely talented musicians / artists and without them, I'd still be lost, shuffling around like the Walking Dead. Thank you! This whole process has served as the BEST therapy!” — RACHELE CARRIER | Listen to Rachele’s song ‘Rachele’s Lullaby’ on YouTube.
“What starts as an idea and a few chords, transforms into a beautiful heartfelt song, and ends up as an unparalleled and humbling experience shared with the insanely talented Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh. When I first connected with Leslie, I really didn't believe I could write a song, let alone sing and record it! But Leslie taught me to write what inspires me, sing from my heart and the only thing getting in my way was me. 5 songs already under my belt and more written, just waiting to be recorded with the guidance of Leslie - a truly inspiring musician, coach and now friend.” — MIKE LANCE | Listen to Mike & Lija’s song ‘The Kitchen’ on YouTube.
“Leslie is an incredible person with amazing talent who has allowed my husband and I into her studio and has unleashed a creativity we never thought possible - 6 songs in and we can't wait to be back with her and Scott in the recording studio!!! Give it a try - you have a world to discover through music and Leslie is the person to guide you!” — LIJA LOGAN | Listen to Mike & Lija’s song ‘The Kitchen’ on YouTube.
“I am so grateful for Leslie’s ability to help me process the anxiety I felt as a result of a difficult time in my life where I was bullied. Through asking me powerful questions her coaching helped me dig deep within myself to articulate and channel the thoughts and feelings swirling through my body and mind. Naming and processing my emotions through songwriting was a powerful way to take my space back and stand up for myself. And if that wasn't enough, Leslie also introduced me to the incredible Scott Walsh. I will be forever grateful to them both, and cannot possibly recommend working with them enough.” — ISABELLA FALCONE | Listen to Isabella’s song ‘Dial You Back’ on YouTube.
“I cannot recommend this music coaching program enough! Typically this program is one in which a client embarks upon a musical journey to help them heal from a difficult circumstance or provide growth or insight. My experience was a little different. I met the love of my life later in life and have felt so incredibly lucky and grateful. While I was sharing this experience with Leslie, I asked if she could help me express this joy in a song. Happily Leslie agreed. I will be honest to tell you that once Leslie agreed, I was having several “oh shit” moments, thinking what have I done? I was so fearful I almost cancelled our first session together. All my thoughts were- I can’t do this, I have zero musical ability, I have a terrible singing voice, etc… To put it mildly, this was WAY out of my comfort zone. Well- if you are going push yourself out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith- Leslie and Scott are the people to do it with. I have never been so happy that I pushed through my fear because, while this song was a wedding gift for my husband, going through this incredible process with Leslie and Scott’s guidance, became a gift to myself. Leslie and Scott are without question amazingly talented musicians, but they are also just really special people. They are people that fill your cup up with light and encouragement. If this experience is something you are considering- do it- you will be so happy you did!” — KAREN NAGY | Listen to Karen’s song ‘Waterfall’ on YouTube.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES THERAPEUTIC MUSIC COACHING COST?
STANDARD PACKAGE: $1,650 CAD includes:
A 30-minute intake conversation with Leslie
Two private two-hour coaching and songwriting sessions
Original music composed by Leslie
Two recording and production sessions at Soundcreation Studio with Leslie and Scott Walsh
Final mixing and mastering
A professionally produced digital recording of your original song
An optional YouTube release of your finished song, with your explicit permission
AUGMENTED PACKAGE: $2,150 CAD includes everything in the Standard Package, plus:
A third two-hour coaching and songwriting session
Up to four hours of additional production revisions
A simple original music video created with a freelance video-production partner
Your song can remain entirely private, or with your explicit permission, Leslie may release the finished recording on YouTube and feature it on her website as an example of the Therapeutic Music Coaching process.
How do I figure out what my SONG SHOULD BE ABOUT?
You do not need to arrive with a fully formed idea. During the intake conversation and coaching sessions, Leslie will help you explore the experiences, relationships, emotions or stories that feel most meaningful to you.
You may begin by reflecting on these questions:
What story, experience or relationship do I feel drawn to explore?
Why does it matter so deeply to me?
Who belongs at the centre of the story?
What do I most want the song to express?
Which moments or details need to be included?
What emotions do I want to honour, release or evoke?
Leslie will guide you in turning those discoveries into lyrics. You do not need to know how to write a song before the process begins.
WHAT KINDS OF EXPERIENCES CAN BECOME SONGS?
Almost any experience that carries personal meaning can become a song. Previous clients have explored:
Grief following the loss of someone they love
Painful or complicated emotions
Gratitude and love for someone important
Conflict or the ending of a relationship
Family memories and stories
The inner critic and the struggle to trust oneself
Reclaiming an authentic voice
Reconnecting with creativity
Celebrating love, belonging or a meaningful life chapter
how long does it take to record THE song?
The Standard Package includes two recording and production sessions. A relatively simple arrangement may include acoustic guitar, piano, bass and lead vocals. More complex arrangements involving layered instruments, backing vocals or other production elements may require additional studio or production time.
We will discuss the creative direction with you in advance and let you know if your song is likely to require work beyond the time included in your package. Any additional production time will be discussed with you before proceeding.
WHAT IF I FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT RECORDING?
Feeling nervous is completely understandable, especially if you have never recorded in a professional studio. Many Therapeutic Music Coaching clients are entering a studio for the first time.
Leslie and Scott will guide you through the process, explain what is happening and give you time to become comfortable. Recording is collaborative, and mistakes are simply part of finding the right performance. You will not be expected to walk into the studio knowing what to do.
DO I HAVE TO SING MY OWN SONG?
No. You may sing the lead vocal yourself, participate in another way or have a professional vocalist record the finished song.
If you are uncertain, you do not need to decide immediately. Leslie can help you explore the options and choose an approach that feels right for you and the song.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY FINISHED SONG?
You will receive a professionally mixed and mastered digital recording of your finished song. Recorded audio files can be massive, so we don’t send files through email or file-sharing servers. You can bring a blank USB/external drive with you to save the wav and/or mp3 file(s) to your drive, or you can access your song through a large file sharing tool (eg: DropBox). Leslie will confirm the available file formats and delivery method with you during the program.
Can I COMPLETE thE program remotely?
The intake conversation can take place remotely. However, the two coaching and songwriting sessions take place in person at Leslie Rohonczy Studio in Ottawa, and the recording and production sessions take place at Soundcreation Studio.
If you are travelling to Ottawa, we can explore scheduling the in-person sessions over several consecutive days. This depends on studio availability and the needs of your song, so please discuss your travel plans with Leslie before making arrangements.
What IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE A session?
Please contact Leslie at least 24 hours before your scheduled session if you need to reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Can I take photos or videos in the studio for my social media?
Yes. You are welcome to take photos and short videos that capture your experience, provided they do not interfere with the recording process. Please check with Leslie and Scott before filming, particularly if anyone else is present in the studio.
If you share your experience on social media, you are welcome to tag Leslie, Scott, and Soundcreation Studio.
Can I bring food AND drinks TO the studio?
Yes. Recording sessions can be lengthy, so please bring enough food, snacks and drinks for the day. Alcohol is permitted when handled responsibly, but it should never interfere with your participation in the creative or recording process.
Can I bring SOMEONE WITH ME to the studio?
The studio works best when everyone present has a clear role in the recording process. Additional guests can unintentionally create distractions, affect your comfort or use valuable production time.
You are welcome to bring someone who will contribute directly to the song, such as a musician or backing vocalist. Please discuss this with Leslie in advance so any additional people, equipment or recording time can be planned appropriately.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If there is something you would like to know before booking a conversation, Leslie would be happy to answer your questions.