From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Find Your Voice Music Therapy

​​Every great story begins with a spark of inspiration, and the origin of Find Your Voice Music Therapy (FYVMT) is no exception. What started as a childhood love of music grew into a soul calling for Mackenzie Costron (BMT, MTA, RCT), fueled by her desire to connect with others through the transformative power of song. From her early days of singing and performing to her formal training in music therapy, Mackenzie’s journey is a testament to the impact that occurs when passion meets purpose. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, FYVMT stands as a beacon of healing and community care, touching countless lives through the universal language of music.

Mackenzie’s journey to founding FYVMT began with a lifelong love of music and a deep desire to care for others. As a child, she was naturally drawn to music. She was known to always be singing or dancing, was easily immersed in music programs, and started piano lessons, voice lessons, and children’s choirs since she was 8 years old. This early connection to music evolved into a passion for vocal expression as a classically trained singer. Mackenzie experienced firsthand how the voice can be a profound tool for identity, self-discovery, and emotional connection—she remembers feeling as if music had helped her find herself and her voice, which would one day become the inspiration for the name of her music therapy business. 

Mackenzie spent ten years performing with Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, an experience that shaped her direct understanding of the transformative power of music. Through choral performance, she saw firsthand how music connects people on both emotional and physiological levels, creating a shared sense of harmony for singers and listeners alike. This foundation fueled her curiosity about emotional intelligence, mental health, and the ways music could support holistic well-being by fostering self-awareness and honoring every part of ourselves—a passion she carried into her formal studies.

The seed for a career in music therapy was planted in high school when Mackenzie learned about the profession during a careers course. It immediately resonated, aligning with her curiosity about how music impacts well-being, her instinctive caregiver nature, and her interest in healthcare. It felt like the perfect intersection of her passion for music and her drive to support others. That’s when she knew she would pursue post-secondary education in a music therapy program.

While studying music therapy at Acadia University’s School of Music in 2009-2013, Mackenzie was deeply fascinated by how music could serve as a bridge for connection, healing, and emotional expression. Her academic journey introduced her to the science and artistry behind music’s ability to support individuals’ well-being on multiple levels. This passion extended into her music therapy practicum and internship experiences, where she saw firsthand the transformative impact of music on individuals across various stages of life. These experiences solidified her belief that music could be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

The pivotal moment came during a conversation with one of her mentors, Nicola Oddy, in a cozy living room where they brainstormed future paths for Mackenzie after graduation from University and her music therapy internship with The Perley Rideau Veterans Hospital (Ottawa, ON) and Providence Manor (Kingston, ON). They came up with the idea of Mackenzie returning to her hometown of Kingston to address a clear gap: the need for accessible, high-quality music therapy services. With support from her mentor, Mackenzie gained the confidence and support to build her vision from the ground up. The entrepreneurial path excited her, offering the flexibility and freedom to create workspaces and structures where people could truly thrive.

FYVMT was born from this vision: a heart-centered, values-driven business dedicated to fostering community well-being through music. Mackenzie describes music therapy as a non-traditional way to connect with ourselves and heal. Her training and education inspired her to build an inclusive, compassionate practice that prioritizes connection, support, and growth, emphasizing the importance of holding one another close during life’s challenges.

Through the years, FYVMT has grown from a one-woman-show into a team of accomplished therapists across two Canadian locations, who collaboratively facilitate wellness in safe, inclusive spaces. They strive to ensure clients feel seen, understood, and supported, meeting them where they are and guiding them toward ease, hope, and healing. The team’s daily motivation comes from their strong belief in the ripple effects of music therapy care —when clients leave their sessions, they carry the benefits into the broader community, inspiring cycles of compassion and connection.

Check out FYVMT’s 4 Core Value Statements to dive deeper into what they stand for and how they operate from the heart.

FYVMT recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of resilience, creativity, and impact. The practice has become a leader in Canadian music therapy offering online sessions, and known for its unique workshops and programs such as voice therapy for trans and nonbinary clients through partnerships with organizations like the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Their diverse team offers unique approaches within music therapy, including things like bell choirs, handpan, and the integration of music therapy with psychotherapy and counselling.

Launching any business comes with many moving parts and challenges. Mackenzie credits the challenges of launching and running FYVMT with teaching her the value of reflective living, versus reactive living. Building a business required her to balance time management, prioritize effectively, and embrace grace and gentleness during demanding times. She leaned on coaches, peer supports, and the professional music therapy community, learning to trust her personal and professional values as a guiding compass. This foundation of compassion and connection continues to define FYVMT as a place where healing through music creates lasting impact—for individuals, communities, and beyond.

"I have seen the power of music therapy and how it can bring growth and healing into people’s lives," Mackenzie says. "This work reminds us to connect with the best parts of ourselves and each other, and that inspires me every day to keep showing up."

The story of Find Your Voice Music Therapy is one of resilience, creativity, and heart. From Mackenzie’s early dream to its realization as a thriving, values-driven practice, FYVMT has grown into a leader in Canadian music therapy, offering innovative programs that change lives. Through the ups and downs of building a business, Mackenzie and her team have remained committed to fostering connection and healing, proving that music truly has the power to transform. As FYVMT enters its second decade, its mission to inspire growth, compassion, and well-being through music continues to ripple out, making the world a brighter, more harmonious place—one note at a time.

Written By: Taylor Rae - Marketing Coordinator for Find Your Voice Music Therapy