Archtop Music Therapy

was founded in 2015 to help special needs children in the Saint Louis area. The mission of Archtop Music Therapy is to provide quality music therapy services that increase functioning, facilitate learning, and improve quality of life for kids with developmental disabilities.

Jeff Lehman MT-BC

is the Music Therapist, Customer Service Representative, Marketing Director, Website Administrator, Accountant, Operations Manager, Owner, and Founder of Archtop Music Therapy.

Jeff began piano lessons in kindergarten and continued through high school: first at Beverly Milder’s Yamaha Music School, then with the organist at his church, and finally at McMurray Music Center. He played keyboards, sang, and wrote songs in various garage bands in high school. Because pianos don’t fit in dorm rooms, when going off to college he got an acoustic guitar and taught himself how to play. In the late 90s, Jeff was discovered performing an original song at an open-mic night in Los Angeles and was invited to compete on the Extreme Gong show. He won. In the 2000s, Jeff played at many Saint Louis music venues (including the Pageant, Cicero’s, Off Broadway, and the Hard Rock Cafe) both as a solo act and as a member of various bands. His current instrument collection consists of keyboards, guitars, basses, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, lap steel, drum kit, numerous percussion instruments, and his original piano.

Jeff was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri. He graduated with honors from Parkway North High School in 1991. Postsecondary education includes two years as an architecture major at Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (Summa Cum Laude) from Maryville University. In his graduating class, Jeff was honored with the Maryville University Excellence in Music Award. He completed his education through an internship at the Special School District of Saint Louis County, received his Board Certification, and was immediately offered employment.

Jeff worked as a full-time music therapist for the Special School District of Saint Louis County from 2008 to 2015. During his time at SSD, Jeff supervised six part-time Music Therapy Practicum Students and two full-time Music Therapy Interns. Both of his former interns have gone on to be employed as full-time Music Therapists for the Special School District. In 2014, SSD presented Jeff with a Lasting Impression Award. He is the only SSD Music Therapist ever to be honored with this award.

Recognizing an absence of quality private music therapy services specializing in children with developmental disabilities in the area, Jeff established Archtop Music Therapy in 2015. With over 40 years of experience making music, Jeff is one of the most “musical” music therapists you’re going to find. With 7 years of employment in the public school system, Jeff brings the experience of collaborating with and learning from teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, ABA facilitators and supervisors. With over 13 years working in special education, Jeff has helped students with Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Vision Impairment, Hearing Impairment, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Other Health Impairments. It happened a little late in life, but Jeff has found his calling: helping kids reach their fullest potential through music.