Tuesday, March 20, 2012

878

I have revived my 1000 Person Project, giving myself another shot at reaching my goal of telling 1,000 people in Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, LaCenter, Salmon Creek, Washington) about the healing power of music and music therapy. Today, I was invited to a PEO meeting, attended by 36 lovely women. I shared my music therapy journey and they, too, shared their musical stories. I heard about grandchildren with disabilities who love to hear Grandma sing, and husbands with early stage dementia. I heard about how they use music in their own lives -- to encourage themselves to get their housework done, or to soothe a dying parent. We all were touched by each others' stories ~ Thank you PEO!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

842

Yesterday, I spoke about music therapy at Washougal High School's Career Day. I had 2 groups of 25 students each. These 50 students chose music therapy among a number of presentations they could attend that day. I was heartened to realize how many of them were interested in music therapy (young men as well as young women). They asked great questions, including "What is a typical day like?" and "What is most rewarding about your work?" and the thought provoking, "Can music therapy cure anything?" Their band teacher was most receptive and welcoming as well!

It is great to know that these talented, bright students are at least considering a future in music therapy!

Yesterday afternoon, I was having a cup of tea outside in the sunshine at my favorite coffee house in Battle Ground and an older man walked up to me and asked what I was doing (I was listening to one of Cathy Knoll's podcasts about autism). I told him I was doing some continuing education, and he shared with me that he had two nephews with autism. He asked to join me at my table and hear more about music therapy!