Nilza Merlim Backes is a highly accomplished music therapist, educator, and academic instructor with more than 20 years of experience in music therapy, music education, postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, and leadership in music schools. She serves in multiple key roles at House of Music PSL, including:

• Music Therapist – HOM Therapy
• Teacher Coordinator – House of Music PSL
• Music Teacher – HOM Academy
• Voice, Piano & Ukulele Instructor – House of Music PSL

Nilza holds several advanced academic qualifications in the field of music:

• Bachelor of Education in Music – Universidade Estadual do Paraná (2014)
• “Lato Sensu” Postgraduate Degree in Music Education – Universidade Estadual do Paraná (2012)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy – Faculdade de Artes do Paraná (2012)

Her academic preparation is complemented by extensive continuing education in neurologic music therapy, autism interventions, ABA-related music therapy workshops, mental health, ensemble arrangement, child development, and early childhood music education.

Nilza has taught at universities, conservatories, and postgraduate programs, including:

• Instructor of Postgraduate Courses in Music Therapy, Music Theory Applied to Music Therapy, and Music Therapy in ASD
• Instructor at Faculdade Centro Biomédico da Música, FACE-C, and multiple postgraduate institutions in Brazil
• Piano instructor for children at Conservatório de MPB de Curitiba
• Music teacher in private schools and studios since 2010

Before joining House of Music PSL, Nilza served as the General Director of Bakiana Escola de Música, where she led curriculum development, supervised teaching teams, managed school operations, coordinated educational programs, and organized recitals.

At HOM Therapy, Nilza delivers music therapy sessions and adaptive music services grounded in evidence-based practice. She has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children, autistic students, and individuals with communication and sensory-regulation needs. Her approach integrates melodic contour, rhythm, improvisation, movement, and therapeutic structure to promote communication, engagement, and emotional development.

As Teacher Coordinator, she supports curriculum alignment, instructional quality, teacher onboarding, and academic organization across House of Music PSL.

At HOM Academy and House of Music PSL, she teaches:

• Voice
• Piano
• Ukulele
• Musicianship & Music Theory
• Early Childhood Music Foundations
• Adaptive Music for Neurodivergent Learners

Nilza is known for her professionalism, deep musical knowledge, and compassionate therapeutic approach. Her background as a researcher, educator, and therapist allows her to provide an exceptional learning environment for both neurotypical and neurodivergent students.

She is currently preparing to sit for the Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) examination to obtain U.S. professional certification.