Music is ubiquitous in adolescent life; musical preferences and participation are intertwined with emotional wellbeing, identity development, and social belonging. As such, music therapy can play an integral role in mental health services for children and youth, providing a nonverbal medium through which to work towards goals in various domains while fostering quality of life. The presenters will share key findings from a study that interviewed 27 youths, ages 12 to 17, about their participation in music therapy at an accredited children’s mental health facility in Ontario. Eleven youths also participated in follow-up interviews post-discharge. The presentation will highlight youths’ first-voice perspectives regarding the memorable and helpful elements of music therapy, along with the role that music plays in their lives post-discharge. Youths’ perspectives upon music’s capacity to foster meaning, support identity, and build connections, provide a reminder of the role of the arts in supporting mental health and wellbeing.