Sound Mind:

A care continuum of music therapy and music education.

Sound Mind seeks to use the power of music and its profound connections to mind, body, and spirit to promote wellness, healing, and change in a safe space.

Studio Lessons

Piano

Enjoy learning standard music notation and chord charts, understanding theory, exploring improvisation, and creating your own music. Increase your confidence by participating in recitals or sharing your new skills in volunteer venues.

Voice

Express yourself in song as you learn the basics of good vocal health. Performing in recitals, practicing for school competitions, or participating in your local church or school choir become more rewarding as you pursue personal growth.

Guitar and Ukulele

Learn to accompany yourself as you master reading chord tabs and learn the basics of strumming and picking. Play a solo or accompany yourself in one or both recitals that are offered each year.

Schedule Your First Lesson

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses the power of music and its unique relationship with the mind, soul and spirit to bring change. Music therapy serves populations with needs related to

Developmental
Behavioral
Hospice
Autism
ADHD
Medical
Intellectual Disabilities
Grief
Addictions

and many other needs.

“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” (AMTA, 2017)

Schedule Your Free Assessment

Meet Your Teacher/Therapist

Lela Nickell, BME, MT-BC, currently lives in Van Buren, Arkansas with her husband, David, two sons, and dog, Cooper. Over the years she has worked with various small and large groups, led a music ministry team in Texarkana, Arkansas, and taught 30 plus years of private lessons. Now, she supports her husband in leading the BLAST children's ministry at The Pentecostal Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas and participates in the instrumental and vocal worship team. She continues to teach and smilingly states, "I love and believe in children. It is a joy to see the world open up to them as they explore music."

Lela completed her Bachelor of Music Education at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, has recently earned a Music Therapy equivalency from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana, and achieved board certification from CBMT to practice music therapy. Her experience has included practicums in the Fort Smith Public Schools, Music Therapy of NWA, Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma, Valley Behavioral Health System in Fort Smith, and internships at Roland Public Schools and ORU Music Therapy Clinic in Tulsa. Because she has observed the power of music in her own life and the lives of others, she is passionate that music can promote health, bring healing, and initiate change in people’s lives.

Member: American Music Therapy Association, Healthcare Providers Service Organization