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LOCAL LIFE
Therapy with a musical beat
by Maryann Callaghan
The magic of music isn’ t just in how it sounds; it’ s in how it makes us feel, respond and connect.
For the neurodivergent or physically challenged, it can also be a form of expressive communication – with rhythm replacing words and melodies opening conversations they may not have otherwise had.
“ I truly believe music lessons and music therapy are for everyone,” musician guitarist Glenn Hobbs of Stormer Music Penrith said.
“ Through music we connect and empower, express creativity and enrich the space in our lives.”
With studios across Sydney, including Castle Hill, Penrith, Blacktown, Blaxland and Parramatta, Stormer Music offers traditional tuition as well as a music therapy program.
It’ s a western Sydney success story, created by brothers CEO Phil and CFO Joel Stormer who wanted to create a music school they always wanted to go to. A beautiful place with dedicated spaces where people can learn to find their rhythm, learn to sing or play an instrument.
Stormer’ s music therapy program is a research-based, NDIS-recognised service that uses music as a tool for healing and communication. Delivered by qualified music therapists, these sessions support people with autism, mental health conditions, physical or developmental
challenges, or anyone simply seeking emotional balance.
“ I saw the profound impact music can have on my second day of working here,” Glenn said.
“ A student with dysregulated behaviour parted with their carer and entered one of the studios and music immediately changed them, gave them joy, a creativity, a skill where they can learn and progress – I knew then and there I was a part of something pretty amazing.”
He went to explain that people with neurodiverse backgrounds, autism, an acquired brain injury or physical disability work with therapists, which allows them to connect and express themselves through music.
“ They engage and connect with drums, playing a beat along with a therapist. We have intervention-based training, where a frustrated person is referred by a speech pathologist and learns singing which helps them with speech sounds.
“ We also have non-verbal therapy where the participant may not talk with the therapist but will make sounds along with the music establishing a connection through the enjoyment of music.
“ We are always looking for the best outcomes for each student.”
Penrith features 12 studios, where individuals, bands and ensembles can learn music or receive therapy. They also feature a collab area where musicians can gain extra skills working with one another, instead of one-on-one.
Glenn, who has played the guitar since
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VALUATION he was 12, is Stormer’ s team support and sales manager. He’ s performed in orchestral musicals, alongside Pete Murray, with Keith Urban’ s producer and just completed the School of Rock The Musical by the Penrith Musical Comedy Company.
“ It’ s important to be active in music,” he said.
“ There’ s the power of music, the creative outlet, that helps you relax and excel as a musician. Then there’ s the therapy of music for healing and its power to connect.”
There’ s also another lesson to be learned through music as Glenn explains.
“ Anyone has an ability for a musical hobby – for relaxing, their mental health and recalibrating – especially in a world of so many distractions and screens.
“ Screen time develops a short-term attention span. Music is a long journey where you engage and concentrate, music is better than coding for the brain because you learn dedication to practise through performing and learning new skills.
“ Musicians make good employees for businesses, because a skill set is built into them with critical thinking.” And, you can learn music at any age.“ Take 86-year-old Doreen. Her carer
Glenn Hobbs in the hallway of Stormer Music which features a striking mural by Penrith artist Shannon Boyd.
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Needing the best possible dollar return sooner than later? drops her off every week and she learns jazz piano. Incredible!”
Music therapy is now very common in hospitals, cancer wards, nursing homes and retirement villages and“ especially in dementia wards” Glenn noted.
“ Music uses a different part of the brain, it switches you on, you may not speak but you will start singing. Singalongs transform people who sit in a state of quiet most of the time.”
If you’ re interested in learning more about the power of music in your life, a carer or support worker, you can find more information about Stormer Music’ s programs online at stormermusic. com. au.
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12 ISSUE 186 // NOVEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT