Mendi Music Therapy

Maximo Mendizabal, MMT, MTL, MT-BC

A photo of Maximo smiling and sitting outside.

About

Growing up in Olympia, Washington, I was lucky to be surrounded by eclectic tastes and open minds, and developed a deep appreciation for diverse musical traditions.  After earning a degree in Percussion Performance from Western Washington University, I spent several years performing and working across the state and the West Coast.

Then, in 2014, my grandmother passed, prompting a pilgrimage with my father to the Basque Country to honor her wishes and lay her to rest. Upon returning, I faced uncertainty about my next steps. Through a series of conversations and serendipitous events, I decided to move to New Orleans, LA.

This leap turned out to be transformative. The vibrant music community and rich cultural diaspora of New Orleans deeply influenced both myself and my therapeutic approach, blending creativity, connection, and community to support my clients.  It was the collection of these experiences that inspired me to pursue a career in music therapy, and it is a privilege to bring my skill set back to my hometown, and help enrich the community I grew up in. 


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