My name is Yuriko Urushibata and I am a board-certified music therapist. ​I started playing the piano at age 5 and started playing the violin at age 12. I graduated from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA with a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and Piano Performance. I completed my clinical internship at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona. I also received advanced training in Neurologic Music Therapy, with the designation of Fellow in the Robert F. Unkefer Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy. 

I have experience working with a variety of population in many settings. During my internship at the medical center, I served clients age 0 - 100+, including pediatric, oncology, stroke center, behavioral unit, and rehabilitation institute. My first job after the internship was at Porterville Developmental Center as a Rehabilitation Therapist, serving clients with developmental disabilities and mental illness in a secure treatment unit. Then I moved to Sacramento, CA to work at Speech & Language Therapy Associates, Inc., a private clinic, serving children with special needs. In April 2012, I started my own private practice, Cadence Music Therapy Services in San Francisco. 

In addition to music therapy practice, I also teach piano to children and adults with all abilities. I studied piano with Frank Wiens and Rex Cooper at University of the Pacific. I have been teaching piano for over 10 years, instructing beginners to early advanced students. My work experience as a music therapist helped me to develop unique and individualized approach in piano teaching. I focus on helping students build a strong foundation in musicianship as well as adapting to each student's needs to achieve individualized goals. 

I am a current member of American Music Therapy Association and Music Teachers’ Association of California. 

I am bilingual and fluent in both English and Japanese. ​Music therapy services and piano lessons are available in both languages. 

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