Life as a Music Therapist and a Business Owner has finally taken its toll. This year I am happy to admit that I am tired – and it feels good to just say it out loud. It’s the first step to recovery they say.  I wonder if this is the way all evangelists feel after 25 years of evangelizing the same thing.

When I first became a music therapist there were only 2 other music therapists in our huge province – today we are well over 60 (with probably another 10 who have not revealed themselves yet.).  I was speaking to the President of our Provincial Associationnot to long ago and told him that I felt my brain had finally collapsed (my husband assured me there is no app for that).  Andrew’s response was swift:

Being in a helping profession + running a business +

advocating for the profession and your peers

= never ending inner conflict and eventual brain collapse.

I know that many of you working in an allied health profession can relate – especially  those who have been around for a while and watched your profession grow, twist and turn.  But let’s face it – it isn’t a feeling unique to just health professionals.  This is something that is becoming more and more common in our society – the individual working in oil and gas who is now a caregiver for their parent; the parent who is taking their kids to 12 extracurricular activities per week plus working a full time job plus on a board of a not-for-profit; the person who now has to work 75 hours a week to work a “normal” work week; the student who is also working 2 part time jobs to cover tuition; the person who simply feels that because everyone around them is doing it all (or appearing to be doing it all) they need to do it all as well.  We’re noticing more and more people, in all industries, are experiencing moments of brain collapse because of all the hats they wear.

So during this National Music Therapy Awareness Month what I am reflecting on is not what where we have been and what we have accomplished but where we are now – right in this moment in time.  Regardless of some of the stress that seems to circulate about the public not understanding what music therapy is (thinking it is headphones on a senior)…I don’t think there are many questions as to the existence of Music Therapists – just the remaining question of where else should they be. I feel the public knows that a Music Therapist goes to school and gets certified.  I feel the public knows the difference from having a therapist in their home and going out for music entertainment.  I would suggest we no longer need to defend or push back –  let’s instead continue to move towards.

Not everyone who would benefit from time with a Music Therapist are using our services – the corporate leaders, their teams, health care providers…music therapy has an intentional and relevant place in preventative medicine as well as rehab, education and mental health services.  

Music Therapists continue to help individuals use music as a mood booster, stress reducer, pain reliever, creative generator, and normalizer.

“With the right therapist all people can be healed and helped….even those who are suffering a brain collapse like me.”

Happy Music Therapy Awareness Month.  #MTAwareness #wellnesswellplayed

The post Can Music Therapy Help a Collapsed Brain? appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

I don’t know what to say except how moved I am that the profession I love has been promoted on a show I love. The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund has been working tirelessly alongside the Canadian Association for Music Therapyfor over 20 years (endless hours of volunteerism) to ensure new and existing music therapy programs grow and sustain across Canada.

If you want to help build Music Therapy in Canada consider donating to the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund.

The post “Music is Good Medicine” – Rick Mercer appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

If you feel you need a boost at work – music might be the solution.

The music industry has proof that you should listen to music while you work. In a survey commissioned by the UK licensing organizations PPL and PRS for Music, 77 percent of surveyed businesses say playing music in the workplace increases staff morale and improves the atmosphere.  The results seemed to be greater productivity. However a summary of recent research from Taiwan shows while some background music can increase worker satisfaction and productivity, music with lyrics could have significant negative effects on concentration and attention. The study concluded that music without lyrics is preferable, as lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance.

HOW TO MAKE MUSIC WORK AT WORK

There is no easy solution to developing a productive playlist for two or more people. Like all good work procedures and strategies, it takes time and it starts with being proactive instead of re-active. Take the time to identify the diverse needs and cultures of the group you belong to. Here are three suggested guidelines for helping your group use and select music at work:

a) Discuss the BENEFITS of playing music in your environment.  Having an open dialogue about the potential benefits of music is the first step.  Discuss the research and your particular desired outcomes. .  Stay with the benefits and do not go with the concerns as # 2 will help you with any problems that may occur.

b) Organize a forum where everyone can discuss their list of PREFERENCES

1. Identify a compilation of BENIGN music (music that everyone can accept) – this may take several days or weeks.  Don’t rush.  Try to enjoy the process as much as the desired product.
2. Set guidelines around WHEN the music will be played (it is best if it is only specific times of day.
3. Use music to CONNECT with your teammates.  My favourite activity when working with people at the office is to organize Friday Lunches that includes one teammatess ‘Best Top 6 Songs’ that boost their mood.  This is a great way to deepen relationships quickly at work.

The benefits of playing music at work are numerous but they are different for everyone. For the employer, it may be boosting efficiency, expediting projects, and working with greater enthusiasm. For the staff member, it may be sparking creativity or help for working through a barrier in a project. Keep in mind that not everyone feels more productive, creative, or inspired when listening to music. Instead, they may feel distracted, stalled, or annoyed. This is the primary reason why it is important to start with honest discussion that includes all team members and calling in a facilitator when necessary.

As I repeat time and time again in TUNE IN, what makes music powerful is the intention in which it is used – use music with intention and improved productivity is possible.

The post Can Music Boost your Productivity at the Office? appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Because music is that intricate blend of sound and silence, what many don’t realize is how comforting the very sound of our breathing can be. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or perhaps feeling extra sensitive to sensory stimulation—if just leaving the house in the morning can feel like a challenge – here is a short exercise to use.

Breathe.

That’s it.

The research is clear that three deep breathes can reduce your fight or flight response. By breathing more deeply you can break the cycle of panic. Breathing exercises can help reduce tension and relieve stress, thanks to an extra boost of oxygen. While shallow breathing, a marker of stress, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, deep breathing does the opposite and helps us to calm down.

What’s more, breathing exercises have been proven to support the systems that can be harmed by stress. A moment of silence with just deep breathing can reduce blood pressure and may even be able to change the expression of some genes. Everybody has an overwhelm point. It is different for everyone. Many of us just keep pushing through the stress but our goals of accomplishment and productivity become much harder to achieve in this state. With the simple act of three deep breathes anywhere you are, you are combating those stress responses and putting your body in a healthier place to better cope with whatever is to come.

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24 years ago I drove into Calgary for the first time. I remember finding Memorial Drive within my first few minutes and being mesmerized by the Bow River that lined the downtown high-rises, street lamps and flowers. My first ‘office’ and home would not carry the same charm. It was dark, damp, and well shared with 18 other housemates..but my room was mine and it was here that I started calling and connecting with the local community to demonstrate what music therapy was.

I would move 11 times in those first 3 years (oh to be in my early 20s again) and envisioned having an actual office where I could close the door and not be interrupted by roommates and later my small, delightful, but disruptive children.

It wouldn’t be until 2005 til I would find my first office away from home. Alongside my dearest friends and singing mates, Janet Fedor and Sharon Moffatt, I would finally have a place that I could store office supplies away from my home. We called this place the Little Yellow House because of its colour and its size. The office was lovely but not functional for our growing needs. We needed a place that we could invite clients to come to us…instead of us always going to them.

That place would come in what I now call one of my significant “bubble bath” epiphanies. With the Little Yellow House recently sold I was feeling confused as to my next steps. The answer came swiftly as I poured in the bubbles – “call Providence.” I had spoken to the team at Providence Children’s Centre a couple years prior, and they had mentioned the potential of us leasing space with them.

I called the next day and a room was made immediately available.

It took me some time to settle into this new environment, but what a place it ended up to be: $.25 coffee, a full kitchen where dishes were done, and a staff that would help us lift anything heavy – not to mention give us great company. It was here we were able to introduce our Therapy Express Camps, FunDrum and BabyGroup.

But like all good things…there comes time for the next shift. With several children on a waiting list it was time Providence to repurpose the space that we loved to borrow.

I was uncertain if I was to find another place as good.

It was during my Brain Collapse that I stopped looking for a new place and turned my sights on getting our company ready for the next phase, regardless of where the office may be. Then on a Tuesday I had another bath (don’t worry I had a few between the last one and this one). It was there that I felt a readiness to GO. Calling over 20 locations in 2 days and setting up 10 appointments I pursued the hunt.

As soon as I entered 1 – 1332 Hasting Crescent SE I knew it was the place……our place. Not because it was beautiful, nor big, but because of the way I felt when I entered.

The journey to our Home on Hastings is not unlike all other journeys in life –  filled with hopes, dreams, disappointments, directional highjacks, and success.

What will make this space special are the people that will visit there. We look forward to seeing you.

The post Our Home on Hastings appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Combining powerful personal stories, cutting-edge clinical research, and straightforward strategies and exercises that have immediate take-home value, Tune In is an accessible and perspective-shifting read on the topic of music therapy.

With help from Sarah Miniaci from Smith Publicity the TUNE IN BOOK TOUR  is intended to help readers from all walks of life learn how to use music to reduce stress, boost morale, and restore health.  Here are the dates we want to keep you apprised of that have happened – and are going to happen.

LISTEN AND WATCH:

September 2015 – TUNE IN – Edition 2 is released – more about the book here  

October 31, 2015 – CheatSheet Article  – ‘How Music Can Help You Deal With Stress’

November 11, 2015 – Fox News – Kansas City  – video here

November 12, 2015 – CBS – Kansas City 

November 13, 2015 – NBC – Kansas City  –  video here

November 23, 2015 – CBC – Calgary

November 25, 2015  – 680 News Toronto – listen here

December 1 – CBC New Brunswick

December 2  –  CITI-FM- Winnipeg (Skype) – Wheeler in the Morning – watch here

December 2 – CFRC 101.9 Queen’s Radio (Queen’s University)

December 2 – CHNL-AM, 610 AM, Newfoundland

December 3 – Newstalk 1290, London, Ontario

December 7, 2015 – SiriusXM Health Show – NYC

December 8 – Jim Kerr’s Rock and Roll Show – NYC

December 9 –  – Fox News – NYC – Health Talk with Dr. Manny

December 14 – CBC National

• Halifax – Mainstreet with Stephanie Domet
• Winnipeg – Up to Speed with Ismaila Alfa
• Edmonton – Radio Active with Portia Clark
• Sudbury – Up North with Jason Turnball
• Windsor – The Bridge with Bob Steele
• Saskatchewan – Afternoon Edition  with Garth Materie 
• Calgary – Homestretch with Doug Dirks
• Yellowknife – Trail’s End – with Lawrence Nayally 
• Vancouver – On the Coast with Stephen Quinn
• Charlottetown – Mainstreet with Karen Mair
• Victoria – All Points West  with Robyn Burns
• Cape Breton – Mainstreet with Wendy Bergfeldt
• Quebec City – Breakaway with Rachelle Solomon
• Whitehorse – Airplay with Dave White

December 16 – 770 News – Calgary

January 7 – Breakfast Television, Calgary

The post Tune In Book Tour appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Christmas music is everywhere and for some people it seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year.  Memories of ‘Christmas Past’ flood back during the first bars of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and for some a happiness chord is struck, joy is released, a lightness that wasn’t there before settles in for the month……whereas for others – Christmas music brings on different feelings.  Some people hear Christmas music and feel immediately agitated and annoyed. They quickly reach for the wine bottle and crank up their favourite rock album.  Then more seriously for others, Christmas music is played,  tension is immediately felt, and a deep ache of grief and loss replaces what was once felt as fine.

Due to music’s very nature it triggers feelings effectively and quickly. Music can definitely benefit us greatly, but there is no question music can also make situations and seasons feel more challenging and painful.

Music’s capacity to trigger memories is one of the core tenants of music therapy.  It drives a lot of the Music Therapist’s treatment design.  Music, when used with the right intention, with a certain amount of frequency and intensity, has the power to take individuals from feeling totally lost, to feeling comforted and less alone…and even so much more.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS MUSIC CAN HELP YOU THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

1. It’s a great time to introduce new music into your personal soundtrack.  With today’s technology and the ease in which we can listen to music on demand, it is a great time to introduce yourself to brand new music,  to massage your auditory cortex and your imagination. Music stimulates creativity by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain – going from sleepy brain to stimulated brain. We often feel our most happy when we we embrace our creativity and music can help us get there.
2. Listen to seasonal music with no lyrics and perhaps a new rhythm. If you are a Non-Preferred-Christmas-Listener (NPCL) but your mom is coming over to bake her best shortbread, may I suggest trying Christmas music with no lyrics and a new beat (ie. Christmas Reggae). Music has the capacity  to change our emotional state. Changing a negative or resistant emotional state is at the root of getting into a positive, productive state.  During cookie baking season this can be particularly helpful.
3. Listen to music that soothes you and that can help you de-stress during a high stress season. The right music relaxes the mind and lowers cortisol levels – lessening stress.  When used intentionally, there is ample evidence to suggest music can make a difference in lowering anxiety and reducing your stress.  Some research suggests that 20 minutes of listening to music that soothes you equals 10 mg of valium.
4. Use music to feel connected to those you are not able to visibly spend time with . Music is a powerful anchor and roots people into the moment, helping their memory to maintain important data for later, and helping them feel more connected to those they care about. Music can boost memories while allowing our brain to access its reserves and remember important events and information. 
5. Socialize to your favourite music of the season – whatever that may be.  Music inspires us – and creates a clear passage to health. Take time for live music (making or watching), singing together and enjoying one another’s company through music.  No one says we can’t create new, more positive memories for future years to come.

WHEN TO GET HELP

For those that are feeling overwhelmed, struggling to face the season, feeling deeper and deeper in a state of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, worry or guilt – it is really important that you talk to someone – a counsellor, therapist, nurse, doctor.  This life is tough to get through alone. 

FOLLOW THE #tuneinbooktour where Jennifer will be speaking more about this throughout December.

The post The Problem with Christmas Music – and 5 Ideas to Help appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Music programs in schools are being cut because of budget constraints. Somehow, the logic goes, music is “extra” thus it shouldn’t be funded. It pains me that we must fight to have the arts in school because the arts are thought of as fringe and not fundamental. Even with all the research that shows the vital part music can play in productivity, music is still considered “just music.” Even though it seems there is no other activity in the world that works the brain harder, music is still being cut from schools.

In the sometimes harsh reality of limited budgets, the inclusion of the arts in every student’s education is at risk. However, I do find myself questioning if it is just budget constraints that are putting our music programs in jeopardy or is there a lack of belief that music truly matters in the big picture? I believe music programs in school help our kids and communities be better—at pretty much everything.

Here are my top 3 reasons why music should be in every school:

1, To foster connection and bridge culture and economic differences. Although we have more instant access to our friends and family via technology there tends be a lack of connection that can only come with human to human contact working and being creative together. Music is a celebration of who we are and an exploration into our diversity. If we truly value this and believe that it is a strong component of our social fabric then music can celebrate these differences in a non-threatening, positive way. Music gives us an opportunity to gain a wider perspective on cultural history and backgrounds by being exposed to centuries of rich heritage.

“Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students, enhances spatial intelligence in newborns, and let’s not forget that the arts are a compelling solution to teen violence, certainly not the cause of it!”

Michael Greene, Recording Academy President and CEO at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 2000.

2. To develop other academic skills. Music skills are proven to transfer over to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills; in other words, it is useful in every part of the curriculum. Music when done with the right intention is able to assist all children regardless of age or abilities, abolishing another potential societal gap. Aside from the social benefits, students in high school music programs have higher test scores and cognitive development. A U.S. Department of Education study found that those who reported consistent involvement in music programs during school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12 – regardless of students’ socioeconomic status. Additionally, students who learn music develop a greater ability to learn a new language.11

3. To give students the opportunity to contribute to something greater than themselves. Each of us wants our children to feel successful in school, successful in employment, and successful in the social structures through which they participate. Music gives an opportunity to reach out to others, participate in a joint experience and then share….share with the audience, share with their cohort, share with parents who support them, share with the teachers that help them learn and share with the community that pays the taxes to ensure students receive life-giving education. Music gives something back and allows the listener to feel rewarded for their contribution in making it happen. Music is a two way communication that can make all people feel connected.

“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation and by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.” – Bill Clinton, former President, United States of America

One of 10 Strategies for boosting music with in intention discussed in TUNE IN 

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There is no easy solution to developing a productive playlist for two or more people. Like all good work procedures and strategies, it takes time and it starts with being proactive instead of reactive. Take the time to identify the diverse needs and cultures of the group you belong to. Here are four suggested rules that are helpful when selecting music for your group:

a. discuss the benefits of playing music with your specific group

b. organize a forum where everyone can discuss their list of preferences

c. identify a compilation of benign music

d. set guidelines around when the music will be played

The benefits of playing music at work are numerous but they are different for everyone. For the employer, it may be boosting efficiency, expediting projects, and working with greater enthusiasm. For the staff member, it may be sparking creativity or help for working through a barrier in a project. For others it may be feeling better connected to others. Keep in mind that not everyone feels more productive, creative, or inspired when listening to music. Instead, they may feel distracted, stalled, or annoyed. This is the primary reason why it is important to start with honest discussion that includes all team members.

Preferences are important in assessing major triggers. I learned from one staff member that her boyfriend swears by heavy metal when he’s racing to meet a deadline. On the other hand, she needs to crank out the show tunes when she wants to lose herself in her work. Clearly, everyone has different preferences when listening to music at work. When you meet with your group of two or more, start by making a list of all the music that everyone feels would suit the environment of their shared space. This request moves music from the realm of personal preferences to that of the larger group experience. For the employer or manager, this exercise can reveal the staff’s perception of company culture and working environment.

Remember to not only address artists but also genres that suit the majority of the people. This includes music styles such as jazz, rock, blues, and classical. You can then get more specific. Once you have a board full of music that includes everyone’s point of view you are ready to move on to the next stage.

In my experience there are certain music selections that tend to fall in the range of “benign music,” ones that invokes the response of, “Oh that’s an okay song” rather than “Oh I can’t stand that group.” Playing through the entire album of Supertramp may not be for everyone (it certainly isn’t for me, obviously!)

Review your long list of music, including artists and genres, and work as a team to identify the oh-that’s-okay “benign music.” Setting guidelines of when music is played can be the most important part of the entire process, especially for those who work best in silence. There are many options of when but the most important part is that everyone agrees to the use of music in your environment.

Here are some suggestions for when:

• for the duration of everyone’s set lunch time i.e. 11:30 a.m.
• to 1:30 p.m. to add a social component to the lunch
• the last hour of each day to pick up the mood and to signal the end of a successful day, thus promoting a boost in enthusiasm and a feeling of relaxation prior to going home.
• To celebrate various occasions. For example, for one hour on the day of someone’s birthday, allow the birthday person or the co-workers to choose the playlist representing the birthday person.
• Play music throughout the day at a low volume with an increase in volume during brain-storming sessions
• Use silence throughout the day and allow individuals to use their own headsets for the music that makes them feel most vibrant at work
• during a presentation at a time when you want to capture a specific mood or give a big launch to a new product or idea

Keep in mind that if your workplace chooses to go the route of using your own playlists throughout the office instead of just listening to the radio, you will need to purchase a broadcast license agreement for background music. The small cost of this service gives our favourite composers and songwriters the royalties they are entitled to receive.

When new people start working with your company your playlist may need to be tweaked, but perhaps not as much as you think. People you hire will most likely be of a similar demographic and background of your other staff. What may need to happen is a bi-annual shake up—adding new selections to charge up the list. This could be something the entire team looks forward to working on together as a team-building exercise.

Take time to review the benefits, identify your team’s preferences, find the music that suits your environment, and administer at the best times throughout the day. Fortunately for me, I do all my administrative work from a private office so I don’t have to worry about disturbing cubicle mates when I want to sing along to the cast of Glee. The most important part about music with others is to respect one another’s choices and music needs.

The post Making Music Work at Work appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Technology has changed enough over the last decade to allow us to take our entire music library with us and to arrange it into playlists for particular purposes. Because music can now be “on demand,” –  it makes the creation of purposeful playlists accessible and simple.

For some, generating playlists can seem quite daunting, especially when people see the endeavor as one that takes time and money. However, I suggest that although it does take both those things – time and money – the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

It’s All In the Name

 Let’s start with some examples of a purposeful playlists – it all starts with the name. The name of the playlist itself should be your first trigger of the goal you hope to achieve. Goals will be different for everyone.  Here are some examples:

I want to exercise more often – ENERGY

I want to complete my first race?  – MOTIVATE

I want to be more productive at work? –  MOMENTUM

I want to build my confidence and feel strong? – VITALITY

I want to feel less alone?  – NURTURE

I want to change my outlook on life? – INSPIRATION

In order to alter any current behaviour into a more desired action, feelings also need to be changed.  There are very few things that can change a person’s feelings, in the moment, more effectively and quickly, than music.

Why Create the Right Playlist for the Feeling You Hope to Achieve?

As I sit with a new client, we begin to unpack her desired goal. For Carol, she decided to try music therapy after she began to feel increased pressure and stress at work after a recent promotion. She wondered if music (something she loved) could help her relax. I suggested that music could definitely help change her brain, her mood, and ultimately change her perspective of feeling stressed.

We started with reviewing the music of her childhood. The music that brought on feelings of fun and freedom.  Some of the songs Carol still loved, and some others she was ready to let go of for good. Over the course of our first session she said it had been a long time since she thought about the music she once loved. She also realized that it had been a long time since she introduced herself to new music.  Research suggests that most people stop adding new music to their personal soundtrack after the age of 33.  At 50, Carol didn’t want to be one of those statistics and wanted my support in exploring new music that helped her feel the way she wanted to feel. We decided the perfect time to test ‘new’ music was in the morning.  She would put together her ‘testing music’ playlist, discarding anything that didn’t meet her needs.  The songs that did work were added to her morning drive playlist entitled – ‘Vibrant.” Over time Carol collected 30 songs that made her feel vibrant and within 1 month Carol said, “I love my morning drives. They are all about me. My days at work seem to be feeling more at ease. Who knew something so simple could help me.” I assured her that although the outcome was simple, she put in a tremendous amount of work and emotion to get there. Several months later she was ready for her next playlist – one to help her feel more social. 

7 Key Steps to Put Together your Purposeful Playlist: for Work, for Sport, for Home, for Life:

1. unpack what you really need – what is your desired outcome. If you are going through a difficult transition or are feeling stuck I recommend working with a psychologist, counsellor, music therapist to help you identify your key goal.
2. title your playlist the feeling you hope to achieve and the behaviour you hope to change.
3. only put songs in that playlist that evoke the feelings you aim for, and remove all songs that don’t strike the right chord.
4. listen at specific  time (s) of the day – not all day. 20 minutes of intentional music listening, at the right time, can help. Assess when you need a boost – waking up, driving to work, driving home, in the evening.  You may need different playlists for different times of the day.
5. use a good sound source. The quality of sound contributes to your feelings of health and enjoyment.
6. stay open to new music. There are some great applications like Songza, Apple Music and Spotify that can help you explore new music.
7. if making a playlist for others – never make assumptions.  If you are working with someone who is not able to communicate for themselves (ie. due to stroke or dementia) connect with your local music therapist for help to ensure the best possible, and safest music choices, are made.

The post Purposeful Playlists for Sport, Work and Home appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Since the introduction of the fMRI machine, brain scans have identified how music affects people – both positively and negatively.The greatest challenge for event and meeting planners in using music in a conference setting is meeting the requirements of diverse audiences and their variance in music preferences. While some music turns people off, that same music may meet the needs of many others. Some music will assist audiences to tune in to the message or theme of the conference.  For meeting planners and presenters it is critical to be mindful to how music functions and the impact it has on the intended audience and the meeting.

Here are 7 primary considerations when using music with any group:

1. Music Aids in Learning – Music relaxes the mind and lowers stress levels that can inhibit learning. Music stimulates creativity by boosting blood and oxygen flow to the brain – going from sleepy brain to teachable brain. Heart rate speed of music (60 beats per minute) is ideal during small group discussions and other activities requiring focus and thought. While this is different for everyone, the following range of pieces from different genres are known to relax people and are in the range of 60-70 beats per minute and include:

• Someone Like You – Adele
• Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) – Enya
• Piano on The Beach – Liborio Conti
• Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major (“Elvira Madigan”) K. 467 — Mozart
• Better Together – Jack Johnson
• Pure Shores — All Saints
• Buffalo Soldier — Bob Marley
• Scar Tissue — Red Hot Chilli Peppers
• As I Lay Me Down — Sophie B. Hawkins
• Inside Out — Britney Spears
• Ignition — R Kelly
• Flaws and All — Beyoncé
• The Christmas song — Nat King Cole
• Space Oddity — David Bowie

2. Music Makes Moments Memorable – Music can trigger powerful recollections, and now brain-scan studies show us what is really happening, and why.  Music quickly calls back memories of a particular person or experience, as if it is happening again right before their eyes. This information is important because conference organizers want to have their important content retained. During a presentation, music can help solidify new memories – anchoring a person to a particular point or theme.

3. Music Influences Mood – Changing a negative or resistant emotional state is at the root of getting into a positive learning state. Music can help here, however, it can also do the exact opposite – the wrong song can distract an audience member and even send them into a deep funk for many minutes afterwards. This could be in due part to their personal associations to the song.  Not every person is tolerant of pop, new age, jazz, rock, rap, or classical.

4. Music Can Trigger What’s Next – Just as game shows use music to tell the contestants when their time is up, and directors use music to create and aura of mystery or suspense, music can cue us for what is about to happen. During a conference music can create a flow-like state from seminar to seminar or introduce an important presentation.

5. In Music, Silence is as Important as Sound – Just as you must know valleys to appreciate mountains, silence helps people focus the nuances in the music. Sound, continuously made, and sustained without break, can become drone. For music to have the greatest effect it is best to select musical moments for specific reasons. While (obviously), you cannot know every cultural and personal factor concerning your audience, you can ensure the music you select fits the tone of your conference. It should match so seamlessly, that your audience’s focus stays on the message/theme/feeling of the conference.

6. Music Acts like a Drug – We take music in by choice and at our own risk. Music can open doors to communication but it can also shut them out just as fast. Just some of the hormones affected during music experiences includes oxytocin, (the transmitter associated with pleasure, love and bonding), dopamine (the feel good hormone) and serotonin (a mood booster by day and a sleep aide at night). The levels increase at different rates for different people and the examples of genres and music provided earlier in this article will relate to the production of these hormones as well.

7. Music, just like real estate, is owned. You are required to pay “rent” to use it – Whenever using music, it is wise to know your permission rights. The best way to do this is to  look to organizations in your home country that regulate music licenses. There is a whole genre of music that can be easily used without legal problems. Royalty free, or buy out – all you need is to search on your browser “Royalty Free Music.”Remember that music is not always a substitute for insightful content, inspiring activities and engaging facilitation. It is, when used with the right intention and knowledge, a wonderful communication tool to support everything else being done, and in helping you establish the right mood, anchor memories and more deeply connect your audience with your event.

For most presenters, music is not a suitable substitute for insightful content, inspiring activities and engaging facilitation. It is, when used with the right intention and knowledge, a wonderful communication tool to support everything else you are doing, and in helping you establish the right mood, anchor memories and more deeply connect with your audience.

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To consult with Jennifer further, attend one of her keynotes or workshops or to learn more about how music affects health and learning contact:

Jennifer Buchanan, Accredited Music Therapist, Author of TUNE IN (where much of the above information is taken from) and Owner of JB Music Therapy www.jbmusictherapy.com in Calgary, Alberta.   All significant references to this article can be found at: www.jbmusictherapy.com/research.

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CALGARY — A collection of stories and strategies for using music with intention to improve health and relationships, is a finalist in TWO categories (Health and Wellness and Self-Help) at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2016 happening in Chicago on May 11.

Tune In: a Music Therapy Approach to Life authored by award-winning Music Therapist Jennifer Buchanan of Calgary, was one of many entries from authors and publishers in this year’s competition.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest Not-for-Profit book awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honour the most exceptional independently published books in over 70 different categories, for the year, and is presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group in cooperation with Marilyn Allen of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency.

Jennifer Buchanan is the author, Hugo House Publishers the independent publisher, Andrea Lifton from Creative Lift Marketing designed the cover and interior, and Sarah Miniaci from Smith Publicity helped share it with North American audiences.  

Tune In has been featured on radio and television including NBC, Fox, and CBC.

you can download your eBOOK for $9.99,  plus additional FREE RESOURCES here 

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Nearly half of all workers suffer from moderate to severe stress while on the job, according to a survey – and 66 percent of employees report that they have difficulty focusing on tasks at work because of stress. Stress has been called the “health epidemic of the 21^st century” by the World Health Organization and it costs US businesses up to $300 billion a year.

As we know there are ways to reduce stress’s daunting, pervasive impact on human lives and companies’ bottom line. A survey of 2,500 employees by ComPsych, a provider of employee assistance programs (EAPs), highlights the problem –in addition to the challenges related to focus at work, employees also said that stress was responsible for errors and/or missed deadlines (21 percent), trouble getting along with co-workers/superiors (15.5 percent), missed days (14.9 percent) and lateness (14.4 percent).

I like to tell myself that my life is full—not busy. Busy sounds scattered to me, whereas full—well it sounds just full. However, full also means that there is no more room for margin – for more goodness or error – and that is not what I want for my day or week either. What I am always on the hunt for is a way to complete the work I need to do while leaving some margin for those extras that arise – sometimes it may be a problem that needs to be fixed but it  and more efficient in what I do, so I can create the margin required for the unexpected, hopefully some extra fun in the week. I passionately believe music can be used to boost your productivity, and generate more margin in your life.

The music industry believes they have proof that you should listen to music while you work. In a survey commissioned by the UK licensing organizations PPL and PRS for Music, 77 percent of surveyed businesses say playing music in the workplace increases staff morale and improves the atmosphere. The results seemed to be greater productivity. However a summary of recent research from Taiwan shows while some background music can increase worker satisfaction and productivity, music with lyrics could have significant negative effects on concentration and attention. The study concluded that music without lyrics is preferable, as lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found employees with moderate sleep problems cost their companies about $2,500 in lost productivity a year. This study has also shown that listening to soft, slow (about 60 beats per minute) music like jazz or classical can improve the quality and duration of sleep, as well as improve functioning the next day. Research in business seems to also support such a claim. For example, a trial where 75 out of 256 workers at a large retail company were issued with personal stereos to wear at work for four weeks showed a 10 percent increase in productivity for the headphone wearers. Other similar research conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois found a 6.3 percent increase when compared with the no music control group.

Research seems to be leading us to the following questions: 

• If music improves your mood then will your productivity also be improved?
• If we accept that music does increase productivity, does it matter what types of music we listen to? Does it matter how long and at what time?
• Does all music have the same effect or are certain types better in certain circumstances?

I believe the answers to these questions will be personal and powerful. There is no question that our individual reactions will vary, however, there is no doubt in my mind and experience that key indicators, with the right analysis, and the right music, can be identified to ensure your personal best results.

This is an excerpt from the book TUNE IN.  To download your copy click here

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Being aware of your personal soundtrack can have some profound consequences. For Gwen, music enabled her to become all that she could be just a month before she would die. Gwen, a fifty-five-year old, sat in a warmly decorated room near the window. Sixteen months prior, she was diagnosed with cancer. She never expected the breast cancer to metastasize at such a rapid rate until she heard those fateful words, “There is nothing more we can do for you but give you a comfortable place to rest.” She had dreaded telling her only daughter and her sister the news. When she told them, they both broke down in tears and were soon making sure the doctors had done everything they could. Now in hospice, Gwen did all she could in her fragile state to prepare her loved ones for the inevitable.

When the Music Therapist was introduced to Gwen, Gwen was wearing a colorful head scarf that covered what was once blond hair. Pictures of her and her family were all around the room, interspersed with colorful paintings and drawings.

“Come, sit close to me, I have been expecting you,” she said.

She pointed to the chair next to her chair by the window and rested her hand on my shoulder as the Music Therapist sat down. She turned slightly and in a sweet, gentle voice said, “I have had a lot of time to process what is happening to me, and understand I must die. I am worried about my daughter, Hailey, and my sister Julia. They are very angry. She took a deep breath and said, “They are not accepting that this is happening to me or to them.” She brushed a few strands of what was left of her hair away from her eyes and said, “I need you to help me.”

 “Will you learn these 12 songs on your guitar by Friday and meet us here precisely at 2:00 p.m.?”

That Friday, the Music Therapist had the songs prepared and arrived precisely at 2:00 p.m. Her daughter and sister were sitting on either side of her, “I invited you here today because we need to say goodbye.” Silence. “I know that this is hard for you as it is for me, so I came up with an idea that could perhaps help all of us. Hailey will you please go into the side closet and take out the piece of canvas I asked Julia to bring last week.”

“I have asked the Music Therapist to play twelve signature songs today. During the first song I am going to start drawing and when the song ends I am going to pass the canvas to you Julia and you are going to continue the picture adding in whatever the music brings to your mind. “When the second song is finished then you will pass the canvas to Hailey who is going to continue from where you left off. We will pass the canvas back and forth after every song. 

During the last song Gwen put a few finishing strokes on the canvas and then held it up for each of them to look at. The tears they held back released and two arms went behind Gwen in an embrace as they gazed at the piece of art they created. 

Gwen had set the intention of using her life’s music soundtrack as the backdrop to already powerful relationships. It was a non-verbal means of sharing herself and her heart, and the music allowed her to say a touching goodbye.

Exercise: Your Personal Soundtrack

With a piece of paper by your side, or on your computer, construct the following chart. If you can do this on the computer, that would be best because you’re obviously going to need more space than what’s given here to write down all the music you listened to at whatever age and the memories associated with that music. If you don’t use a computer, that’s fine. Just make one age category per page. That way, if you need to use more paper—say for your teen years – you can do that and not get the age groups mixed up (that’s very important actually. You want to recognize when you were listening to what music).

The post Music Therapy in Palliative Care – Preserving your Legacy With Music appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

We have a rule in our family – the driver is in charge of choosing the music for the duration of the driving time. Prior to the trip, I didn’t give this much thought as I am typically in control of the car. The music for this long drive, however, was under the control of my husband James who was excited to be at the helm. He had grown up taking many long family road trips and like myself was looking forward to the whole experience.

With the music on, we all happily pulled out of the driveway. We were only thirteen minutes outside of city limits when I was shocked into reality. We were listening to the fourth track, on the same album we had started with, when we left the driveway.

Could this be happening? Was it possible we were going to listen to the entire extended edition of Supertramp’s Crime of the Century album. Worse, was I not to be consulted?

For me family trips were defined by a mix of music, songs from different artists, different genres, different decades – NOT A WHOLE ALBUM……

After about the fifth song, I felt my pulse begin to rise and a mild agitation start in the pit of my stomach. Initially, I told myself that I was being foolish. I like a couple of Supertramp songs sure – but the whole album in a row?  When that fifth track started, I knew I had passed the threshold. My trigger had fired and I was totally ticked off – a perfect example of a negatively inspired auditory trigger.

I tried concentrating on browsing my smart phone and contemplated updating my Facebook status regarding my growing music misery. I knew some of my friends would say I was crazy! Knowing the rules, I sunk down in the seat. I knew I had no voice—the driver was in control.

James had what I am sure was a slight smirk on his face but not once took his eyes off the road. How could he let it bother me and not change the music? After five Supertramp songs James stopped moving his head and tapping on the steering wheel.

Turning towards me he casually asked, “Hey, would you like to listen to something else?”

I started to laugh. “Is it that obvious?” 

If a person is having a negative response to the music being played, they will often transfer those feelings to the relationships around them. 

The emotional response to a selection of music, how music is administered, and the frequency of music has an affect on each of us. It is therefore important to be aware of our personal triggers to music and to remember that other people are just as easily triggered – especially if we are in confined spaces – be it a car, hospital room, or office.  

Since ‘auditory triggers’ happen to everyone, it is crucial to understand how the process works so we can be more gentle on ourselves and others.

The trigger elicits an emotional response. Our brain, which is really our computer, processes the emotion through our bodies. It tells the body to release chemicals such as endorphins if it’s good and adrenaline if it’s bad. Our brains have been perfectly designed to support and sustain our survival in this way. Our emotions are critical because they are an instant feedback loop about whether a person, experience, or the environment is positive or negative, safe or a threat, something to move towards or away. These responses to our emotions is in the ancient of the brain called the limbic system. A key structure in this area is the amygdala. The amygdala is always in the background waiting to take over our emotions when required to do so.

When we see or hear something that triggers the feeling of threat, the amygdala comes forward instantaneously, and we act before we have time to think. That part of us that reasons in our mind takes a back seat to the reactive part, and the brain responds by relegating the pre-frontal cortex or reasoning part of our brain to the back seat so we can protect ourselves from the threat and ultimately preserve our life as it is. Dan Goleman, in his bestseller Emotional Intelligence, calls this action “an amygdala highjacking.” 

The emotional response to a selection of music, how music is administered, and the frequency of music has an effect on each of us. It is therefore important to be aware of our personal triggers to music and to remember that other people are just as easily triggered. This includes all sounds, the volume that music is played at, and even silence.

The post Stop the Car! I can’t listen to your music for one more minute. appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

* for those that may not know, the term ‘Equity’ is now also being used in a non-financial context..read on for more information.

My colleague, Cynthia Bruce, is a researcher focused on equity issues in inclusive education in both public and post-secondary settings with a particular focus on Disability Studies in education.  Her passion intrigued me to learn more about the term ‘equity’ and how it differentiates from ‘equality’.

Equity and equality are two strategies used in an effort to produce fairness.

Equality is treating everyone the same.

Equity is providing everyone what they need to be successful.

As a therapist in 2016 here are a few ways I am working to strengthen my equity lens, and the language that goes with it, into my practice and life:

1. Discover What Your Client Feels They Need To Be Successful

At the heart of an equitable relationship is a quest for personalized understanding. As you delve deeply into the client remember to learn about their strengths, desired goals, what holds meaning to them, and who has influence in their lives. The more that is known about what the client needs to feel successful,  the better the therapist will be able to create an equitable and personalized treatment plan.

2. Become a ‘Warm Demander.’

Author and teacher Lisa Delpit describes ‘warm demanders’ as leaders who “expect a great deal of their students, convince them of their own brilliance, and help them to reach their potential in a disciplined and structured environment.” As therapists we focus on ‘meeting the client where they are at’. To boost the equity in a session it is important to also include strategies to assist the client to face their strengths and possibilities.

3. Do Not ‘Activate’ Your Sessions – Keep Them Flexible.

The success of therapy is that it is not based on a fixed set of activities – but is goal driven. As therapists we must always remember that one-size sessions do not fit all. Remain flexible and improvisational with your therapeutic approach, strategies, interventions and plan.  Personalizing every session is ultimately at the heart of equity. 

4. Don’t be Culture-Blind.

Zaretta Hammond in her recent book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, says “culture, it turns out, is the way every brain makes sense of the world.” It is important that the therapist opens the door and focuses on everything that defines the client.  Continue to invite clients to share who they are, where they come from, and what that means to them. This will promote the safe relationship required to help lead the client to their desired outcomes of therapy treatment.

Of course these basic first questions are just the beginning of an equitable therapeutic process. The next steps will be to access and find the resources, strategies and opportunities needed to help the client feel successful.

The post 4 Ways To Strengthen Your Equity Lens – tips for the 2016 Therapist appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

Technology has changed enough over the last decade to allow us to take our entire music library with us and to arrange it into playlists for particular purposes. Because music can now be “on demand,” –  it makes the creation of purposeful playlists accessible and simple.

For some, generating playlists can seem quite daunting, especially when people see the endeavor as one that takes time and money. However, I suggest that although it does take both those things – time and money – the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

Here is a complimentary webcast to help you move forward with creating Purposeful Playlists (plus the 7 most important steps listed below):

7 Key Steps to Put Together your Purposeful Playlist: for Work, for Sport, for Home, for Life:

1. unpack what you really need – what is your desired outcome. If you are going through a difficult transition or are feeling stuck I recommend working with a psychologist, counsellor, music therapist to help you identify your key goal.
2. title your playlist the feeling you hope to achieve and the behaviour you hope to change.
3. only put songs in that playlist that evoke the feelings you aim for, and remove all songs that don’t strike the right chord.
4. listen at specific  time (s) of the day – not all day. 20 minutes of intentional music listening, at the right time, can help. Assess when you need a boost – waking up, driving to work, driving home, in the evening.  You may need different playlists for different times of the day.
5. use a good sound source. The quality of sound contributes to your feelings of health and enjoyment.
6. stay open to new music. There are some great applications like Songza, Apple Music and Spotify that can help you explore new music.
7. if making a playlist for others – never make assumptions.  If you are working with someone who is not able to communicate for themselves (ie. due to stroke or dementia) connect with your local music therapist for help to ensure the best possible, and safest music choices, are made.

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Christmas music is everywhere and for some people it seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year.  Memories of ‘Christmas Past’ flood back during the first bars of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and for some a happiness chord is struck, joy is released, a lightness that wasn’t there before settles in for the month……whereas for others – Christmas music brings on different feelings.  Some people hear Christmas music and feel immediately agitated and annoyed. They quickly reach for the wine bottle and crank up their favourite rock album.  Then more seriously for others, Christmas music is played,  tension is immediately felt, and a deep ache of grief and loss replaces what was once felt as fine.

Due to music’s very nature it triggers feelings effectively and quickly. Music can definitely benefit us greatly, but there is no question music can also make situations and seasons feel more challenging and painful.

Music’s capacity to trigger memories is one of the core tenants of music therapy.  It drives a lot of the Music Therapist’s treatment design.  Music, when used with the right intention, with a certain amount of frequency and intensity, has the power to take individuals from feeling totally lost, to feeling comforted and less alone…and even so much more.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS MUSIC CAN HELP YOU THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

1. It’s a great time to introduce new music into your personal soundtrack.  With today’s technology and the ease in which we can listen to music on demand, it is a great time to introduce yourself to brand new music,  to massage your auditory cortex and your imagination. Music stimulates creativity by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain – going from sleepy brain to stimulated brain. We often feel our most happy when we we embrace our creativity and music can help us get there.
2. Listen to seasonal music with no lyrics and perhaps a new rhythm. If you are a Non-Preferred-Christmas-Listener (NPCL) but your mom is coming over to bake her best shortbread, may I suggest trying Christmas music with no lyrics and a new beat (ie. Christmas Reggae). Music has the capacity  to change our emotional state. Changing a negative or resistant emotional state is at the root of getting into a positive, productive state.  During cookie baking season this can be particularly helpful.
3. Listen to music that soothes you and that can help you de-stress during a high stress season. The right music relaxes the mind and lowers cortisol levels – lessening stress.  When used intentionally, there is ample evidence to suggest music can make a difference in lowering anxiety and reducing your stress.  Some research suggests that 20 minutes of listening to music that soothes you equals 10 mg of valium.
4. Use music to feel connected to those you are not able to visibly spend time with . Music is a powerful anchor and roots people into the moment, helping their memory to maintain important data for later, and helping them feel more connected to those they care about. Music can boost memories while allowing our brain to access its reserves and remember important events and information. 
5. Socialize to your favourite music of the season – whatever that may be.  Music inspires us – and creates a clear passage to health. Take time for live music (making or watching), singing together and enjoying one another’s company through music.  No one says we can’t create new, more positive memories for future years to come.

WHEN TO GET HELP

For those that are feeling overwhelmed, struggling to face the season, feeling deeper and deeper in a state of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, worry or guilt – it is really important that you talk to someone – a counsellor, therapist, nurse, doctor.  This life is tough to get through alone. 

The post The Problem with Christmas Music appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan.

JB Music Therapy has partnered with the Neuro Rehabilitation Unit at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to pilot a Music Therapy program for patients recovering from brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury.

The new partnership includes a music therapy group and individual sessions coupled with documentation to evaluate treatment effectiveness and the level of patient satisfaction. Learn more about the program in this recent report: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department of Clinical Neurosciences Annual Report 2015-2016, highlighting the team that is bringing this project into fruition.

“Music has far fewer potential adverse effects than some medications would, so I think it’s another tool that we could be using.” – Dr. Stephanie Plamondon

In the context of Unit 58 Music Therapy is the therapeutic application of music to rehabilitate cognitive, motor, and sensory dysfunction due to disease. Its treatment techniques are based upon scientific knowledge of music perception, production and its effects on nonmusical brain and behaviour functions like gait, balance, speech, mood and motivation.

“Music Therapy is not a technique, nor a series of techniques – but is a professional discipline that certifies its’ therapists to ensure personalized treatment and care for patient needs – thus a well-suited addition as a vendor for Alberta Health Services in a variety of settings including Neuro Rehab.” – Jennifer Buchanan

Evidence demonstrates that the auditory and motor systems have rich connectivity across a variety of cortical, subcortical and spinal regions. The auditory system is a fast, precise processor of information that projects into motor structures in the brain, creating entrainment between the rhythmic signal and the motor response. A large number of clinical studies have indicated the effectiveness of rhythm and music to produce functional change in motor behaviours and a wide range of physiological effects on the human body including changes in heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, skin temperature, and muscle tension.

Music Therapy is also well known to provoke emotions mediated via neuro-hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, and is experienced as joyous or rewarding through activity changes in the amygdala, ventral striatum and other parts of the limbic system.

Samantha Harber, MMT, MTA is one of several Music Therapists from JB Music Therapy and is the principal therapist on Unit 58.

A Music Therapist is an allied health professional working most commonly in health care, education systems, and diverse community agencies.  MTAs (Certified Music Therapists) use music intentionally to help clients reach individualized goals in mobility, communication, and emotional well-being and are trained to know how to best use music without harm.  The cognitive neuroscience of music is a quickly emerging field with applications that are just beginning to be adopted into rehabilitation hospitals within our neurologic population.

This program is only possible through donations.  If you are interested in supporting the program please contact: Jason Knox 403.944.2096

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Many people, young and old, are living with a wide array of physical and emotional needs: decline in motor functioning, social isolation, depression, anxiety, confusion, lack of focus, stress and physical pain….  

For Brad, chronic PTSD and depression robbed him of living independently, of having many friends his own age, and of feeling involved in what was happening in the real world. Music therapy helped him connect to a bigger world−the world closed off by his dark orange drapes. 

When I entered his room, Brad was laying on the top of his bed covers in his pajama bottoms and well-worn Ramones t-shirt. The sun was shining brightly outside, but the thick orange curtains were pulled tightly across the window. You could not see anything through them. Looking at Brad’s chart, I read that he was forty-six-years old and had spent almost half his life in health-care facilities. Brad suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chronic depression due to his service in the first Gulf War. When his doctor determined he could no longer look after himself, he was admitted into a long-term care facility for assessment. That was almost twenty years ago.

He lifted his head and said, “I see you brought a guitar in here.”

“Would you like me to play a little?” I asked. He nodded.

He leaned over, turned off the radio. I put the strap over my head and set my hands in position to play the first chord of a James Taylor tune. Brad was silent throughout. When I finished, he lifted his head a little higher on the pillow so his shoulders were elevated. I could now see him more clearly. The lines on his face made him seem much older than his forty-six years.

He whispered “keep going.”  

I took a couple of deep breaths and began to sing a Bob Dylan song. By the end of that song, Brad had shifted his pillow over to the side and was partially sitting up in his bed.

He again whispered “keep going.”

I took a couple more breaths and sang yet one more song, this time from the Rolling Stones first album release. Finally, Brad looked directly at me, smiled, and sat fully upright with his feet hanging on the side of the bed. “Wow, those are good ones,” he said. He began to suggest more songs and smiled again when I said I knew one he spoke of.

The more songs I played, the more Brad opened up. Every song he suggested was now coupled with a personal story from his past.  I listened carefully and asked questions when appropriate.  It wasn’t long before I saw a clear picture of the man sitting in front of me. Once upon a time, Brad was a fearless, strong, vibrant and independent man who desired something more from his life.

We would go on to see each other once a week for well over 3 years….he kept wanting to “keep going.”  He became significantly more engaged in other activities, people and the world around him.  The staff connected his transformation to the bonding and reconnection to himself that he experienced with his music through music therapy.

Call a Music Therapist if you or your loved one wants/needs to:

• decrease stress and/or anxiety
• strengthen speech/language/breath control
• develop focus and productivity skills
• participate in an inclusive social environment 
• improve capacity for learning and attention
• boost confidence and feelings of self-worth

Music Therapists are sensitive to the needs of people and work with some of society’s most vulnerable including youth at risk, individuals with brain injury, those with mental health issues, learning challenges, and those in palliative care, long-term care and dementia care. They also work with professionals, educators and corporations to ensure the stressed public can access this unique service as needed.

Ideally, every healthcare facility, employee assistance program, and learning centre would have a certified Music Therapist accessible to work with every person who seeks change – regardless of age.

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