More Than Music: The Lasting Bonds of Music Therapy
Happy school vacation week to everyone in New Hampshire! This month's blog post is all about how music therapy is a super connector. It brings people together in all sorts of ways, from students in college, to professionals working with clients, and advocates pushing for music therapy's importance.
Recently, Cassadi Kulak, from the Granite State Music Therapy team, and I went hiking at Castle in the Clouds. It's known for beautiful views and lots of trails. We picked one that followed a stream, so we had the sound of the water as we walked and talked. We were excited to see some waterfalls, and they did not disappoint! They were huge and gorgeous, really impressive.
After college, Cassadi and I went our separate ways, landing in California and Maine, respectively. I spent a few years in Nashville, Tennessee after my internship practicing and advocating for music therapy. When I was ready for a change and heard Cassadi was working in music therapy in New Hampshire, I reached out. Turns out, Granite State Music Therapy was hiring! Because we already knew each other, I stayed with her while finding a place to live which was an immense help during my relocation.
My journey to writing this blog for Granite State Music Therapy today began in 2016 with a connection I made at the start of my music therapy studies. That connection led me to complete my internship at Birch Bay Village in Bar Harbor, ME. Interestingly, several other therapists from that same internship site have also joined the team at Granite State Music Therapy, which I think is really neat! Moreover, during New Hampshire's school vacation this week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit college friends in northern Virginia. I feel incredibly lucky to have such strong connections up and down the east coast, enabling me to travel and experience new places.
It has been an exciting experience working for Granite State Music Therapy! I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful and professional team dedicated to providing excellent services across New England. I look forward to continuing this journey and the future ahead!
Music therapy served as the foundation of our friendship, which began in 2016 during our time at Shenandoah University. For most of our college years, we were roommates and practically inseparable. We shared many experiences, including trips like the one recently mentioned. She frequently accompanied me to my home in Pittsburgh, PA during school breaks, as it was a much shorter journey than traveling back to her home in Florida.
A Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band game with Shenandoah in October 2016!
After our recital together junior year! Photo credit: Monica Kulak
Author: Kelly Weaver, MT-BC
Editor: Cassadi Kulak, MT-BC