People with special needs who do not normally have access to a music therapist will benefit from the launch of a music therapy clinic at the Kuring-gai campus of the University of Technology Sydney.

The clinic is making available to the general public and University staff the expertise of Dr Rosemary Faire and Ms Dianne Langan, who teach the Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy offered through the Faculty of Education.

Long term the facility will provide a research platform for students and staff and increase the clinical placement opportunities for UTS music therapy students.

"Music therapy is a process which uses musical and sound exchanges to 'talk' within a therapeutic relationship," Ms Langan said.

"The music therapist works towards improving communication, health and well being for his or her client."

Dr Faire said the clinic offered individual music therapy sessions, both for special needs clients and for personal development and creativity enhancement in adults.

"There also will be weekly groups focusing on personal development though music therapy and Communities Making Music Sessions for parents and children," Dr Faire said.

The clinic is already providing music therapy for a young adult with physical disabilities and a seven year-old child with autism who is a pupil at a nearby school. Additionally, a Music Therapy Support Circle has been formed in which adults (both UTS students and community members) relate playfully through improvised musical conversations.

Dr Faire said a lack of music training was not an issue for people interested in participating.

The clinic has been set up with the support of the Music Department within the UTS Centre for Research and Education in the Arts, which provides the venue and musical instruments.

For more information about the clinic's offerings telephone 9514 5254.