About

Using music to help people Feel Better

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Dr Ajay Castelino

PhD | Registered Music Therapist (RMT & NZRMTh)
Music Therapy in Melbourne & Online

Welcome! I’m Dr Ajay Castelino. I provide live, interactive music therapy sessions that help children, adults, and older adults connect, communicate, and thrive. My approach is practical, evidence-based, and family-centred, so you can extend the benefits of music into daily life.

A background built on both music and science

I bring together 21+ years as an award-winning professional musician (Ahjay Stelino) and 16+ years of clinical music therapy experience. My musical toolkit includes guitar, piano, drums, percussion, and voice, enabling rich, improvisational sessions tailored to each individual (Visit my Spotify Profile ).

Music therapy with me is live music-making, not pre-recorded playlists. Together we create music that supports communication, emotional expression, memory, and wellbeing.

Clinical experience across the lifespan

Over 18 years, I’ve provided music therapy in:

  • Specialist Schools: BLENNZ, Sommerville School (NZ)
  • Disability Services: IHC (NZ), Scope
  • Aged Care: Caladenia Dementia Care, Alzheimer’s New Zealand
  • Hospitals: Auckland Hospital
  • Private Practice

These experiences have shown me that music helps people reconnect with themselves and those around them — whether it’s a child finding their voice, a teenager managing anxiety, or an older person reliving treasured memories.

Working with NDIS participants

I regularly support NDIS-funded clients and families, across self-managed and plan-managed arrangements. Families and referrers value that I provide:

  • Clear therapy goals linked to NDIS outcomes
  • Collaboration with OTs, speech therapists, psychologists, and schools
  • Ongoing progress notes and reports for reviews
  • A calm, respectful, and flexible approach tailored to each participant

Dementia and aged care

I use live music to support engagement, memory, and emotional wellbeing in aged care and dementia settings. Sessions can include singing familiar songs, gentle rhythm work, and reminiscence through music. Benefits include:

  • Reducing agitation and anxiety
  • Supporting memory and identity
  • Encouraging social interaction
  • Bringing comfort and joy to individuals and families

My work is informed by my research at the University of Melbourne and recognised through a Maroondah Council Community Grant supporting creative ageing initiatives (Read more here).

Online music therapy

Since 2020, I’ve been pioneering online music therapy, helping clients connect with music from home. Collaborating with IHC New Zealand, my sessions have consistently sold out thanks to their positive impact.

(Read this article about my online work with IHC — published under my artist name, Ahjay Stelino.)

Research & innovation

My PhD research focused on supporting families to independently engage in music-making with their child with disabilities, showing how shared musical experiences strengthen relationships, improve communication, and foster emotional connection.

This research guides my practice today: sessions are collaborative, family-centred, and designed to give caregivers tools they can use every day.
(Read the publication here)

Let’s make some music together!

Curious how music therapy could support you or someone you care for? I offer a free consultation (online or by phone).

Get in touch!