I can't remember a time in my life without music.
I come from a family of strong women who have helped shape my love of music. My mother played the flute and served as the director of a local arts school for more than 15 years. My grandmother was a professional violinist who directed an all-female orchestra in Philadelphia, an accomplishment that was particularly remarkable for a woman of her generation.
Both were trailblazers in their own ways, and their passion for music has been an important part of my story.
Finding My Voice Through Music
As a child, I was shy and perfectly content spending time alone reading books, drawing, and listening to music. I've always loved stories and the many ways we tell them.
Music gave me words when I struggled to find my own. It encouraged me to sing, helped me discover my voice, and provided an outlet for emotions I didn't always know how to express.
Looking back, I can see how those early experiences shaped my relationship with music. I experienced firsthand how music could offer opportunities for expression and connection, even when finding the right words felt difficult.
That understanding has stayed with me throughout my career.
Twenty Years of Making Music
For the past two decades, music has been both my profession and my passion.
A friend once described being a musician as having a "portfolio career," and I've found that to be a fitting description of my own journey. I've worked as a private voice instructor, adjunct voice professor, composer, worship leader, musical theatre director, and performer.
Each of these roles has given me opportunities to share music with others, develop my skills, and experience the many ways music can bring people together.
Of course, when music is also your job, it's important to make time to enjoy it for yourself! I love writing and composing, and I continue to explore creative projects outside of my professional work.
Music has always been part of who I am, but after 20 years in the field, I began thinking about how I wanted to spend the next 20.
Discovering Music Therapy
Interestingly, it was several of my own voice students who first introduced me to music therapy.
Over the years, different students mentioned the field while pursuing their musical interests and education. One was preparing for a college audition, another was taking lessons to strengthen her singing, and a third introduced me to the music therapy program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
With each conversation, my curiosity grew.
As I considered the next chapter of my career, I found myself drawn to the idea of combining two important parts of my life: music and helping people.
Music therapy offered an opportunity to do just that.
I returned to college at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, earned my degree in music therapy, completed my required clinical training, and passed the certification examination to become a board-certified music therapist.
After two decades as a professional musician, I was beginning an entirely new chapter in the field I already loved.
Witnessing the Impact of Music Therapy
My clinical experiences reinforced why I was drawn to music therapy in the first place.
I've heard students who typically communicate without speech begin to sing along with a favorite song. I've participated in movement activities with individuals who use wheelchairs, creating opportunities for sensory experiences and joyful expression. I've also seen children who were struggling to feel comfortable in school find reassurance through music before returning to their classrooms eager to learn.
These experiences demonstrated how individualized musical interventions can support people with different needs, abilities, and therapeutic goals.
Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice that uses music to address non-musical goals. Depending on the individual, these may involve communication, cognition, movement, emotional well-being, or social interaction.
Music engages multiple areas of the brain involved in processing information, movement, memory, and emotion. Music therapists use their clinical training to develop interventions that support each person's specific needs and goals.
For me, the research is fascinating, but the individual experiences are what make this work so meaningful.
Building Something That Lasts
Today, I'm excited to bring this next chapter of my career to Williamsport and the surrounding communities through Oh, Hello! Music Therapy Services.
I've had the opportunity to work with local organizations, including Lycoming County Children's Development Center, James V. Brown Library, and the Lewisburg YMCA. These partnerships have allowed me to offer musical experiences to different populations while helping introduce more people to the field of music therapy.
I'm encouraged by the interest I've received from individuals and organizations who are curious about how music therapy might support the people they serve.
But my long-term vision extends beyond my own practice.
I want music therapy to become a familiar and accessible resource throughout Greater Williamsport and North Central Pennsylvania. I hope that when people are exploring services to support their health, development, or well-being, music therapy will be part of the conversation.
Eventually, I'd love to see enough interest and demand that other qualified music therapists join me in serving our region.
My greatest hope is to help establish something meaningful and lasting, a foundation that allows music therapy to continue benefiting our community for years to come.
The Next Chapter
When I look back at my journey, I see how each experience helped prepare me for where I am today.
I realize that my path to music therapy wasn't as unexpected as it might have seemed. Every experience I've had as a musician and educator helped prepare me for this next chapter.
I'm grateful for the family, friends, teachers, students, and clients who have supported and encouraged me along the way.
And I'm excited to see what comes next.
Every Great Connection Starts with Hello
Welcome to Oh, Hello! Music Therapy Services. I'm so glad you're here!
Interested in learning more about music therapy or exploring services for yourself, a loved one, or your organization? Visit our services page or contact us to request a free Discovery Consultation.