May 2026
May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health isn't a side conversation for us here at NMTS. It's woven into everything we do, every session, every song, every moment we get to spend with the people we serve. Music has this way of reaching people where words sometimes can't, and we see that play out every single day in our work. This month we want to take a moment to recognize the courage it takes to prioritize mental health, celebrate the progress our community has made, and recommit to showing up for every single person who walks through our doors.
We already know it in our hearts, but the science keeps catching up. A 2025 review published in Harmonia: Journal of Music and Arts looked at research on music therapy across clinical and community settings and found consistent evidence that music therapy reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while improving social connection and overall wellbeing. What stood out was that these benefits showed up across age groups, backgrounds, and settings — from hospital patients to kids in schools to adults in community programs. That is not a coincidence. That is the work.
If you or someone you know is struggling this month, please know that support is available and you are not alone. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 any time, day or night. The Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741. NAMI's Helpline can be reached at 1-800-950-6264, and SAMHSA's National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357, both free and confidential. For local resources here in northern Nevada, you can always call or text 211.
— Manal Toppozada, Executive Director
A Gift That Builds Access and Opportunity →
Construction is underway at the front of Note-Able Music Therapy Services, and it’s an exciting step forward for our community. Thanks to a generous grant from the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, NMTS is renovating the front of our property to create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming entry for everyone we serve.
These improvements will enhance accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities, including a secure front area, improved pathways, ADA-accessible entry, and a redesigned circular driveway to support safe and seamless pick-up and drop-off. Together, these updates will transform how clients, families, and community partners arrive at NMTS—making first moments calmer, safer, and more inclusive.
We are deeply grateful to the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust for investing in NMTS and in the people we serve. This project supports not only accessibility and safety, but also the continued growth of NMTS as we expand our services and welcome more individuals into our community through music.
Jason Eady Comes to NMTS
We’re excited to host acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jason Eady to NMTS on Saturday, February 22, from 2:00–4:30 PM. This special afternoon will feature a live performance by Jason, followed by an interactive Q&A. Opening the event will be a performance by The Note-Ables.
This event is free to attend, however a $25 suggested donation is encouraged by the For The Song Foundation. All funds raised will go directly to the artist (Jason Eady).
This event is presented by the For The Song Foundation.
If you are interested in attending, please register here: https://www.forthesong.com/registerjasoneadynmts
Host Your Next Event at NMTS
Whether you want to host a conference, put on a concert, or celebrate a special occasion, NMTS offers a wide range of beautifully equipped spaces to accommodate your event. Our auditorium is equipped with a professional audio/visual system, and our entire building has state of the art sound attenuation, making it ideal for music, performances, meetings, and whatever else you can imagine!
Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♫ Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♬
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6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Garden of Reno
Co-hosted by DSNNN & Note-Able Music Therapy ServicesCost: 8$ registration fee
Join us for a joyful and inclusive Valentine’s Day Mixer for adults with developmental disabilities, co-hosted with DSNNN. This welcoming evening is designed for building meaningful friendships or exploring romantic connections, in a safe, supported environment. You can expect appetizers, mocktails, games, guided conversation, and pre-event surveys to indicate interests, with staff present throughout and conversation cards to spark connection. Dress casual, date-night, or formal—whatever feels most comfortable. Caregivers and guardians are encouraged to talk with participants ahead of time about what they hope to gain from the event and share any helpful insights with staff.
📍 Location: The Garden of Reno
700 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502🔗 RSVP:
https://www.dsnnn.org/event-details/down-for-love-valentines-day-event-2026Love, connection, and community are in the air—we hope you’ll join us! 💕
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NMTS is closed today in observance of President’s Day.
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2:00 - 4:30 pm at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for a FREE live performance and Q&A with acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jason Eady, featuring a special appearance by The Note-Ables. A $25 suggested donation is encouraged by the For The Song Foundation, with all funds going directly to the artist.
If you are interested in attending, please register here: https://www.forthesong.com/registerjasoneadynmts
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10:00 - 10:30 am at NMTS
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to NMTS from 10:00 - 10:30 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(Clients must be 60 years or older, live in Nevada, have a valid ID and be willing to complete an intake form and survey.)
Get more information here
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5:30 - 6:30pm
Enjoy a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves produced by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. Sound baths encourage a meditative state through the vibrations and frequencies of the instruments, which can lead to a release of tension and a feeling of calm. A great way to de-stress!
Ages 12+ welcome.
Donations accepted – walk-ins welcome. Comfy dress code. Blankets & mat encouraged.
Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:00 - 6:30 PM at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for our monthly Friday Fun Night! This month’s experience will be a [drum roll please]… DRUM CIRCLE!
Led by NMTS music therapist, Sharon, and adaptive music instructor, Nate.
Come join us in creating spontaneous music! This is a great opportunity to connect with others in the community, have fun, express yourself, and relieve some stress. Drums will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own.
People who are younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Pickup no later than 6:45pm. As always, our Friday Fun Nights are free and open to all ages and abilities. Suggested 5$ donation.
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4:30 - 5:30 PM at NMTS
Enjoy a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves produced by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. Sound baths encourage a meditative state through the vibrations and frequencies of the instruments, which can lead to a release of tension and a feeling of calm. A great way to de-stress! Ages 12+ welcome.
Donations accepted – walk-ins welcome. Comfy dress code. Blankets & mat encouraged.
Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:00 - 6:30 pm at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for our monthly Friday Fun Night, featuring a Drum Circle led by music therapist Sharon and adaptive music instructor Nate! Come make spontaneous music, connect with community, express yourself, and have fun—drums provided or bring your own. Free and open to all ages and abilities (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; pickup no later than 6:45 PM). $5 suggested donation.
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January Thank Yous
Thank you to our January donors:
Delores Clewe, Theresa Desautels, Susan Duncan, Tiffany Dunseath, Katharina Greenleaf, Lisa Hickman, Delvon Howard, Katie Grace Foundation, Mary Ann McCauley, Caelan McGee, Nancy Oesterle, Whitney Pomi, Jeremy Smith, Charles Sweeney, Manal Toppozada
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Danelle Archuleta-Moser, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Nate & Tashina Eng, Wendy & John Firestone, Mary Lee Fulkerson, CeCelia Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Karen Golonka, Lindsey Gross-Tromerhauser, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox & Jennifer Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Kay Ellen Kephart, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Stephen Martin, Mary Ann McCauley, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Miguel Morales, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Lisa A Rizzoli, Cindy Sabatini, Jake & Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Gina Wertz, Dave Wilson, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you to our January volunteers:
River Bailey, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Matt Ennis, Mark Geeson, Dennise Howard, Michael Lahnala, Tony Martin, Jasmin Morales, Lea Moser, Greg McNie, Mary Ann McCauley, Ashley Malek, Olga Mesina, Linda Newberg, Pat Raigans, Patti Rodriguez, Stephanie Schoen, Becca Shipley, Bill Sutman, Pat Sutman, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Ken Vogel
Volunteer of the Month: Kendra Bertschy
Kendra has been a dedicated volunteer since joining the NMTS Board during the height of COVID. Her guidance and support were invaluable as we took on the major project of purchasing and renovating our building. A strong advocate for NMTS in the community, Kendra has helped foster connections that continue to support our growth. Thank you, Kendra, for all you do for NMTS! 💚
