A Board Certified Music Therapist, Hospice Palliative Music Therapy credential, the founder of Atlanta Music Therapy, Julia Distelhurst, HPMT, L/MT-BC, is known internationally for her expertise in music therapy and music-centered wellness.
A graduate of Florida State University, Ms. Distelhurst is the Founding Director of Under Musical Construction, Inc., a contractual and consulting music therapy agency based in Atlanta AND THE VERY FIRST AGENCY FOUNDED IN THE STATE OF Georgia.
She has over 30 years of clinical experience in early intervention, convalescent facilities, medical and psychiatric hospitals, hospices, correctional facilities, community service boards and teaching. Her clinical experience has evolved from her work with infants, young children, and youth at-risk. She holds a trademark and patent on her research and development of a curriculum to enhance the development of precursor skills for language development–Tickles, Giggles, and Lullabies® and Rockin’ Rattles and Baby Bottles®. Ms. Distelhurst was the first appointed director and team leader for music camps for Friends in the West, African Children’s Choir, in Kampala, Uganda: Music for Life in 2001. She served as music therapist for PEOTSI, the National Autism Program of the Year (2005)-Autism Society of America.
In addition to clinical work, she provides workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements to further the educational and supportive voice for the profession of music therapy. She was the recipient of the Professional Practice Award from the American Music Therapy Association southeast in 1999-the highest award for professional contribution in the field of music therapy in her region.
“We focus on improving the life, social skills, and developmental milestones of each individual client.”