Introductions

Almost every music therapy session begins with an introductory song or a “hello song.” With ongoing groups and individuals, this song creates a sense of tradition, habit, and often a sense of familiarity. Since beginning my practice as a music therapist, I have written, learned, and modified countless greeting songs. With this being my first post, I figured there’s no better way to introduce myself than with a hello song!

One of my favorite greeting songs I have learned was from Roman Music Therapy Services in Wakefield, MA. “Hello, today is a beautiful day, and I’m so glad you’re here” - the song captures so much in one line of music. I’ve used it as a gratitude practice (think about what’s making your day beautiful or one thing that makes you glad to be alive today), I've used it for emotional expression (find another word to replace “beautiful” with), and just as a simple yet warm greeting (inserting clients names following the “hello”). Each modification sets out to meet a different need of the group right from hello.

Many clients I have served over the years have come up with creative and unexpected answers, some sparking laughter, some tears, and many smiles along the way. Getting to know people through music can be incredibly intimate and powerful.

I hope to provide culturally sensitive, client centered music therapy in and around the Central Savannah River Area, working with organizations to find solutions to fund sustainable music therapy programs, making connections within the community between other music therapists, and promoting the field to healthcare professionals.

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me! I’m so glad you’re here.