Welcome to The Rhi Garden
I am Rhiannon Rieger, a Board Certified Music Therapist and Pennsylvania-Licensed Music Educator.
For many years I dreamed of braiding my passions together and providing various services.
In addition to Music Therapy and Music Education, I have been studying the principles of a gentle, non-invasive body work called Ortho-Bionomy® for over a decade.
Musically, I specialize in individual Music Therapy sessions with older adults, and private music lessons with beginners and enthusiasts of all ages.
About My Services
Rhiannon Rieger, MMT, MT-BC
Hi! My name is Rhiannon. Music has been a driving force in my life ever since watching my Mom sight-read piano music and listening to my Dad play guitar by ear, when I was a small child. To me, music is a language accessible in many ways. I love being able to express and celebrate life through music. While working with me, I'll assist you to unlock your access to the power and peace that music provides.
Music Therapist
I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist (CBMT #14699) with a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. I love working with older adults because it’s an honor to share the richness of their personal histories and help them connect with their musical memories. My style is to meet someone where they are and help them navigate a path in the present moment, through music.
Music therapy is often a great fit for older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline, physical and movement challenges, loss of loved ones, and loss of autonomy with age. Various musical experiences provide a sense of connection, accomplishment, autonomy, and comfort.
Currently, I am working part time at UPMC Magee, providing Music Therapy services, in the Palliative Care Department with adult clients.
Music Educator
I am a licensed Music Educator in Pennsylvania and have a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I specialize in private lessons. My style is nurturing and encouraging. My goal is to meet people where they are on their musical journey and help them get closer to where they want to be.
I especially love to teach beginning piano to all ages. I received a unique education growing up, from my mother and her mother, both piano saleswomen and piano teachers. I witnessed and learned from them as they kept the best interest of students at heart, as well as an excitement for encouraging musical growth and curiosity. Time after time, they said they noticed that many people shared that they "wish they stuck with piano lessons and knew how to play" and my mother quipped, "nobody ever says I wish I didn't know how to play the piano." What makes me unique as a piano teacher is that I strive to teach in ways that allow the person to respond to the content in the present moment, and meet them where they are, so that an integrated thoughtful, physical, sustainable and continued practice, with ease, is achievable.
Music Lessons and Music Therapy Sessions
In-person music lessons start with the first lesson as meeting up for a consultation, to see if we are a good fit to work together. Scheduling and payment are discussed during the consultation. Please contact me by email, phone call, or text, to discuss scheduling in-person lessons. Thank you to my current students!!! Due to scheduling, my availability is limited.
Music therapy sessions are available in-person in your home or facility. Please contact me by email, phone call, or text to discuss getting together for a session, scheduling, and rates.
Gentle Body Work
In 2023, I am accepting Ortho-bionomy® clients. As an Associate Member of the Society of Ortho-bionomy International®, I participate in continued study and practice of a gentle, non-invasive body work modality called Ortho-bionomy®. It's concepts are grounded in osteopathy and judo. It can also be done for self-care. I love sharing this modality with others. During a session, a client described the work like this: "it helps the flow, flow." I have found that the principles of Ortho-bionomy® are applicable to music, and vice versa. Life is a rhythm, a dance, a song.
