Acksharaa Balaji, MA (she/her) is a Music Therapy Research Associate at Myrah, where she contributes to the development of culturally responsive, music-based therapeutic experiences within community-based systems. Trained as both a musician and music therapist, Acksharaa is deeply committed to exploring the intersections of identity, musical expression, and cultural heritage through ongoing reflective practices of cultural humility, reflexivity, and inclusivity.

Her work centers on integrating culturally informed approaches into music therapy research and practice, with the aim of cultivating authentic, meaningful experiences that support emotional well-being and connection to self and community. Acksharaa is currently a Post-Master’s Music Therapy Certification Candidate in training and Research Associate at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, and an Associate Research Scientist at the Music and Audio Research Laboratory at New York University.

Acksharaa holds a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from New York University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, with a minor in Psychology.