Canadian Music Therapy

In this episode, we are speaking with Steffi Friyia, Vice President of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario. She is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Master’s in Music and Health Sciences program and she will tell us about her academic experience and research. We wrap things up by discussion Steffi’s volunteer experiences and why this is important for the next generation of music therapists.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. SarahRose Black back on the podcast from Toronto, Ontario.

SarahRose shares more about the reach and importance of music therapy research. With the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy now being open access, she explains how it helps bring music therapy research to an international level and to allied health professionals.

A little more about Dr. SarahRose Black:

Dr. SarahRose Black is a certified music therapist and registered psychotherapist, specializing in palliative care and psychosocial oncology at both the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Hospice in Toronto. She is also the outgoing editor of the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy. In addition, she promotes music and health with Pulse Music Media.

Link to Canadian Journal of Music Therapy:

We have four guests we are featuring on this episode Chrissy, Quentin, Hannah and Aprajita from the Canadian Music Therapy Fund. On this episode we’ll get a greater understanding of the mandates of the fund along with opportunities for scholarships, grants, and music therapy advocacy.

On this episode, we are speaking with Mary Jane Landaker from Kansas, the first US certified music therapist featured on our program. Mary Jane speaks with us about her journey into the music therapy profession (31 years ago) and about working with music therapy interns. She also shares more about her thoughts on the future of music therapy.

Here is a little more about Mary Jane:

In this episode, we are speaking with Jill Hedican about her work in the area of obsessive compulsive disorder and the transition from a long career in end of life care. Jill also shares with us specific ways that music therapy is used with OCD clients and where she feels the field is heading in the future.

Here is a little more about Jill:

Jill is a Certified Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist who has been practicing music therapy in the Toronto area for over 20 years. Her contribution to the field included advocacy for the inclusion of music therapy throughout the formation of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. With past experience in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jill has spent the bulk of her career at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre providing music therapy for Veterans at end of life, as well as community patients and their families in a palliative care setting. This past December, she had the opportunity to expand her clinical practice at Sunnybrook and is now developing a music therapy program within the Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, home to Canada's only Intensive OCD Treatment Program for clients with severe OCD.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we speak with Karie Rippin Bilger about her journey to becoming a music therapist and her return to school to study social work. Karie also shares more about her unique education and career path and how that benefits the people that she serves.

Here is a little more about Karie:

Karie is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist, originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, living in Guelph, Ontario. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy in 2001, and Master of Social Work in 2011, both from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Karie started the Music Therapy program at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph (SJHCG) in 2004 and worked as a music therapy clinician and pre-professional supervisor in Long Term Care, Complex Continuing Care, Palliative Care, and Adult Day Program settings. In 2015, her role expanded to include Clinical Leadership of Recreation and Music Therapies.

In 2021, Karie shifted away from music therapy clinical practice, and now works as a Community Responsive Behaviour Team Clinician with the Behavioural Supports Ontario program.

Karie has continuously been deeply involved in music therapy professional issues, contributing to a variety of projects, presenting at conferences, serving as Vice President of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario, and as Ethics Chair of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. She continues to be an active member of CAMT's Ethics Committee and is the Vice President of the Board of Guelph Youth Singers.

When not working or volunteering, Karie loves to travel, spend time with friends and family, and to support her very creative daughter's various artistic pursuits.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Sue Bains about equity, inclusion, representation, and social justice in music therapy. She helps us to further understand what anti-oppressive music therapy is and how do we do it in terms of education, practice, and research.

Here is a little more about Sue:

Sue Baines, PhD, MTA, FAMI, is respectfully grateful to be a live and learn on the unceded territories of the Lil’wat, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Shíshálh (Sechelt), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations on Turtle Island. She is a feminist and an activator. Her research focus is anti-oppressive music therapy. Sue has taught in the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC, Canada since 1997 and continues to practice music therapy in long-term care.

Article referenced in podcast from Voices:

“It’s Not What’s Done, But Why It’s Done”: Music Therapists’ Understanding of Normalisation, Maximisation and the Neurodiversity Movement

In this episode, we are speaking with Jennifer Lin about their unique journey in becoming a music therapist and what a typical day looks like for them. Jennifer also shares their vision for the next 10 years and a little more about their research at the master’s level.

Here is a little more about Jennifer:

Jennifer (they/she) is a certified music therapist (MTA) in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. They completed their Honours Bachelor of Music with a specialization in Music Cognition from McMaster University followed by their Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy and Masters in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) from Concordia University. Jennifer received their accreditation in 2021 and currently is in their second year of practice. Jennifer has experience working with clients of all ages, their main interests include working with children, (Q)BIPOC, and disabled communities. They are a strong advocate for the use of music therapy in marginalized communities and amplifying minority voices. Jennifer received the George Stroumboulopoulos Music Therapy Scholarship from the CMTF in 2021 and recently received the Dr. Sandi Curtis Music Therapy Social Justice Award at their graduation from Concordia University in April!

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Hayley Francis-Cann about her new role as the Canadian Association of Music Therapist’s incoming President and her journey to become a music therapist. Hayley also tells us more about bringing music therapy to Bermuda, her organization called Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services along with details about her other important projects and work.

Here is a little more about Hayley:

Hayley Francis Cann, BMT, NMT, MScAH, MTA is a Bermudian-Canadian certified music therapist and neurologic music therapist fellow with clinical experience in a variety of settings. Hayley completed a Masters of Science in Aging and Health at Queen’s University, has released two Children’s books, is a co-host for the Able Voice Podcast, is a serving board member for the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) since 2020 and recently elected as President in May 2023. She is the co-founder of the practice Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services and creator of MTA Hayley - a platform for public speaking, resource building, and advocacy for anti-oppressive practices. In everything she does, Hayley aims to provide an authentic experience that is respectful toward all people no matter their age, diagnosis, background or additional social locators.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Cheryl Jones who tells us about her unique journey to become a music therapist specifically in the area of neurologic music therapy. Dr. Jones also shares with us about her work in the field of music-based rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury and being featured in two documentaries done by the CBC.

Here is a little more about Cheryl:

Dr. Cheryl Jones is a certified music therapist and registered psychotherapist in Ontario. She earned her MMT at Wilfrid Laurier and her PhD in Music and Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. She is a Neurologic Music Therapist-Fellow. She has taught in the music therapy departments at Wilfrid Laurier University, Concordia University, and most recently at the University of Miami. She currently serves on the international advisory council for the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy. Dr. Jones has over 17 years of clinical experience and is specialized in music-based rehabilitation following brain trauma. She is a regular guest lecturer at universities and conferences and her clinical work has been featured in 2 national CBC documentaries as well as the book “Allison’s Brain” by Robert McMechan.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Melissa Tan who talks with us about her journey to becoming a music therapist, her role as a Neurologic Music Therapist and what her typical workday looks like. We also learn more about what Melissa is currently researching for her PhD along with her vision for the future of music therapy.

Here is a little more about Melissa:

Melissa Tan is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario. She is the in-house Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT-F) at Abaton Integrative Medicine in Oakville, Ontario working with clients with autism, early development, neurorehabilitation, and dementia. Melissa is also Part-Time Faculty in the Creative Arts Therapies Department at Concordia University, Montréal. Melissa has a B Music in Piano from McGill, an MA in Music Therapy from the University of Roehampton in London, UK and is currently a PhD candidate in the Music and Health Sciences Research Collaboratory at the University of Toronto.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode,we speak with Erin Gross about the work of music therapists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and how it has evolved over the years. She also shares more about some interprofessional collaborations with music therapists at Sunnybrook.

Here is a little more about Erin Gross, MA, RP, MTA:

Erin has been a music therapist for 18 years. She completed her undergraduate training at Wilfrid Laurier University, and her Masters of Creative Arts Therapies, Music Therapy Option at Concordia University. She has worked with a wide variety of client populations in many different settings over the years. She was an employee of JB Music Therapy in Calgary, was a staff member and clinical manager at the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, currently works at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Until recently, she was a clinician in the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, and she is the Professional Practice and Education Leader of Creative Arts Therapies for the organization.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In today’s episode, we are speaking with Andrea Lamont about her role working in paediatric music therapy and what it means to be innovative in the fields of psychotherapy and education. Andrea shares some amazing examples of innovation that she has been involved with at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital along with ways to connect the paediatric system of support.

Here is a little more about Andrea:

Andrea Lamont, MSC, RP, MTA, FAMI, works as the Music Therapy Team Lead, Clinical Education Liaison, and contributor/content expert to various interdisciplinary research projects at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Andrea also teaches and provides clinical supervision for the music therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. In 2017, Andrea was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) as part of the Holland Bloorview team that created the Virtual Music Instrument in 2017 and in 2018 Andrea received an award for clinical excellence from the Teaching and Learning Department at Holland Bloorview. In 2020, Andrea co-created a Student-Lead Learning Environment opportunity through Holland Bloorview’s Teaching and Learning Department in response to the impact of the pandemic; delivering a virtual clinical music therapy and music psychotherapy services for parents and caregivers of children with special needs served by Holland Bloorview in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University’s music therapy program.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are hearing from 4 music therapists across Canada who are in varying stages of their careers speak about their plans for music therapy awareness month. Adrienne also shares more about the 7 task forces from the Canadian Association of Music Therapists where you can find educational tools and information to share with your communities about what music therapists do.

Erika starts the episode by sharing more about what is happening on the East coast of Canada in Newfoundland. As an MTA, Erika has experienced the impact music therapy can have on individuals in various situations and settings. She hopes one day everyone will have the ability to access music therapy in their area and it will be a core part of health care.

Rhonda tells us more about her awareness building in Nova Scotia. A lifelong educator and learner, Rhonda spent over twenty years teaching music in public school systems in Nova Scotia and Ontario. She began her music therapy studies in 2020 and is very close to finishing her internship to become a Music Therapist Accredited (MTA).

Victoria is in Ontario and works in the area of palliative care and is a song writer, audio engineer and artist. She is involved with the CAMT Advocacy Committee sharing her expertise in media relations and will be presenting her research, “Faith and Practice: How Religious Beliefs Affect Music Therapists’ Identity and Practice” at the World Congress of Music Therapy later this year.

We finish this episode with Stephanie in British Columbia who shares the engaging social media campaigns she is working on at Capilano University. Stephanie is a 4th year Music Therapy student who is excited to start her internship in a Long-Term Care Facility. While she is finishing her studies, she is working to promote music therapy on the Capilano University Music Therapy Student Association pages.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Jennifer Buchanan, the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, about music therapy month 2023, the World Congress in Vancouver this summer and how music therapists are addressing complex problems across Canada.

Here is a little more about Jennifer MTA, MBA:

Jennifer is the two-time past president of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. The Canadian music therapy community presented Jennifer with their two most prestigious awards – the Norma Sharpe Award for lifetime achievement and the Frani Award, named after her long-time mentor and friend – and the pioneer of music therapy in Canada.

The hashtags to participate in the conversation during music therapy awareness month and the World Congress in July are:

#MTA2023

#MTA

#WCMT2023

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking withSara Klinck about her expertise in the areas of music therapy as it relates to dying and bereavement. Sara shares with us about the bereavement group model that she has developed and written about along with some of her highlights of working with the dying and bereaved.

Here is a little more about Sara:

Certified Music Therapist (MTA) & Registered Psychotherapist (RP); Clinical Supervisor &Instructor

Sara Klinck,is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist whose private practice extends to hospice palliative care, long-term care, and community wellness programs.She is a clinical supervisor and music therapy instructor (Wilfrid Laurier University), and co-author of a book and several book chapters highlighting music therapy with the dying and bereaved.

Sara’s Book: Voices of the Dying and Bereaved: Music Therapy Narratives

As we anticipate Music Therapy Month in March 2023 we take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year by resharing our show from music therapy month 2022. During this episode which first aired in March 2022 we speak with Jennifer and Chrissy about what’s happening across Canada during music therapy month, their experiences moving into executive director roles along with collaborative projects to support mental wellness.

Here is a little more about our guests:

Jennifer Buchanan:

In this episode, we are speaking with Candice Hamilton-Miller a registered psychotherapist and founder of CHM Therapy Services. As an allied service professional working alongside music therapists, Candice shares her perspective on the role music therapists play with her clients and the impact of the sessions. Candice also discusses the stage at which she would refer a client to a music therapist and about her view of the future of mental health care in Canada.

Here is a little more about Candice:

Candice has degrees in Psychology and English from the University of Cape Town and York University, and a Masters Degree in Family Relations and Human Development from The University of Guelph. She is a Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Certified Cogmed Coach. she works with clients of all ages and stages with specific training many modalities of psychotherapy and coaching including Cognitive behavioural Therapy, Narrative therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sex Therapy.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

In this episode, we are speaking with Priya Shah about her journey as a music therapist and her learning in the field of mental health. She tells us more about the impact of music therapy with the clients with mental health issues, Gestalt training she’s taking along with her vision as a music therapist.

More information about Priya Shah, RP, MTA, MMT

Priya Shah is a certified music therapist, registered psychotherapist, and adjunct professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. She currently works in adult inpatient mental health and addictions at Homewood Health Centre and in private practice and is completing additional training in Gestalt psychotherapy.

How can Beyond the Studio help you as a music therapist?

Today we are excited to interview Yasmin Kawar about her work with persons in addictions recovery, trauma, and abuse. She tells us more about what it was like for her starting out in music therapy and what her best advice is for new music therapists.

Here is a little more about Yasmin:

Yasmin Kawar is a Jordanian-Canadian music therapist and qualifying counselling therapist working in the K’jipuktuk (Halifax) area. Yasmin specializes in providing music therapy in mental health settings and is currently working with persons in addictions recovery, trauma & abuse, and criminalized populations. Yasmin's approach is person-centered, intersectional, and anti-oppressive. She works to meet her clients where they are in their life journey to collaboratively and creatively explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and develop innate resources for healing and personal growth. Yasmin also serves as Vice President for board of the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy, and Secretary for the Creative Arts in Counselling Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

For more information about resources from today’s show, please visit:

Today we speak with Daniel Kruger about his research for his master's thesis on the history of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). He shares more about the details of the study and how this research has informed his music therapy practice.

Daniel Kruger: MA, MTA

Daniel Kruger is a Montréal-based music therapist, guitarist, producer, and composer. Daniel has spent time studying jazz, highlife, and improvised music at the University of Guelph and University of Ghana. He completed his masters degree in music therapy at Concordia University in 2019. Daniel is an active musician in the creative improvised music scene in Montréal. His masters research project focused on the early history of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. He now works full-time as a music therapist in the child and adolescent psychiatry department at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute where he also supervises masters students from Concordia. Daniel's clinical work prioritizes the use of pre-structured and free improvisation, and places an emphasis on collaborative composition and recording projects.

For more information about resources from today’s show, please visit:

On this show we have the pleasure of chatting with the past president, current president, and president-elect of the association to get their unique perspectives on what’s happening on the west coast of Canada. We get a better understanding of the leadership structure and initiatives that are happening with the Music Therapy Association of British Columbia.

Here is a little more about Susan, Laura, and Sheila:

Susan Summers PhD, MTA:

Susan Summers is a Certified Music Therapist and Vocal Psychotherapist who has been a passionate advocate in her clinical work with older adults and those at end-of-life and in leadership roles for over three decades. She has been an instructor in the music therapy department at Capilano University for nearly 25 years. Susan currently serves on three professional boards: Canadian Association of Music Therapists, Federation for Counselling Therapists in BC, and the Music Therapy Association of BC, and is currently serving again as President of MTABC. Susan’s passion and vision for music therapy inspires students, colleagues, and other health professionals to partner with us to ensure that music therapy is known and is available to everyone as an essential health profession.

Laura Hastings, MTA, MA, BMT, BA in Mus, NICU-MT:

Laura graduated from Capilano University in 2013 after completing her internship at BC Children's Hospital. After practicing for 4 years in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland in private practice, long-term care, and in the non-profit sector, she went on to complete a Master's in music therapy at Concordia University in Montreal. There, she joined forces with Capilano graduate Alison Usher-Jones in her private practice working with individuals with autism. The thrilling festivals and world-class food of Montreal were spectacular but, after 4 years, she returned to the West Coast to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in long-term care. Laura is excited to be in the new Board position of President Elect and to support BC music therapists.

Sheila Lee, MA, MTA, FAMI, NICU-MT, RCC :

Sheila has been involved in music and the arts all her life. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified music therapist, she regularly uses music, dance, visual arts, and play therapy techniques in her work. She has a BA from UBC, Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano U, and an MA in Counselling from UVic. As a lifelong learner, she has completed certifications in Neurologic Music Therapy, NeonataI Intensive Care Unit-Music Therapy, all three levels of The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, and Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma & Resilience.

Her private practice, She Lee Music, has led her to provide music therapy for several school districts and non-profit organizations, and teach early childhood music classes in several daycares and childcare centres. She is also a BC Children’s and BC Women’s Hospital employee. Most recently, she began working on a unit supporting mothers who use substances and their infants who have been exposed to substances. Her specialties include supporting babies, children, teens, mothers, and families.

Sheila’s other passions include her martial arts training, and spending time with her husband and children. She is thrilled to be invited to Beyond the Studio and hopes everyone who is listening is doing well.

Today we welcome two guests from Quebec, Nathalie Albert and Marie-Fatima Rudolf who will be sharing with us more about the Quebec Association of Music Therapy. They will also speak about their own experiences as music therapists and performers and how the roles interchange and influence one another. 

Here is a little more about Nathalie:

Nathalie is a vocalist with a vast performance and recording background.  She studied music at the University of Montreal and discovered music therapy when performing in health care settings and completed her MA in Music Therapy at Concordia in 2019.  Currently she works full-time with children with special needs at Yaldei School in Montreal. Other experiences include working with children suffering complex trauma from abuse or neglect, and older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative disorders and those with intellectual disabilities. She is currently the President of the AQM.

Here is more about Marie-Fatima:

Marie-Fatima Rudolf is a jazz pianist and music therapist based in Montreal. After obtaining her Bachelor degree in jazz piano at McGill, she spent several years performing, recording albums, and teaching, before doing a Masters in jazz piano in New York. While in New York she discovered music therapy at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine, and fell in love with the idea of combining music and well-being. She completed her masters in music therapy at Concordia in 2018 and has been working in various settings, including long-term care, palliative care, with autistic children and children with physical disabilities. She continues to perform and record in Montreal, Toronto, and New York.

In this episode, we are speaking with Sawyer Garrity and Vallye Adams, both from southern Florida.

Sawyer shares with us how the song Shine was created and the impact of this around the world. She also tells us more about the non-profit organization, ShineMSD, that she co-founded. Vallye tells us more about the mission and impact of ShineMSD along with more about the Instrument of Hope.

Here is a little more about Sawyer:

Sawyer Garrity is one of the co-writers of Shine and co-founders of ShineMSD. She is a senior at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music studying music therapy. Sawyer found her voice with music at a young age and has been deeply connected to it ever since. She uses music to help cope with her problems in the world; it is her outlet when she needs to express anything at all. While writing Shine with her close friend, Andrea Pena, Sawyer realized the full power that music has on people, and it’s healing properties. She hopes that with the ShineMSD Foundation, people from her community can find ways to express themselves through art and start the healing process. She truly believes that art has the power to transform us all. She wants everyone to remember to be kind to everyone they meet and treat others with love.

Here is a little more about Vallye:

Vallye Adams is the founder and CEO of Etavele Solutions, LLC, a national consulting firm based in Tampa Florida. Unique like her name, Etavele offers solutions to ‘elevate’ and enhance events, engage boards, specializing in proven sustainable revenue development in the not-for-profit sector. Growing up and a native to the Ft. Lauderdale FL area, Vallye is proud to represent SHINE MSD as their acting Executive Director and Non Profit Consultant.

After attending the University of South Florida, Vallye’s professional experience spans over twenty years, including multifamily property management, real estate sales, and over twelve years in executive non-profit management, fundraising, event development, expansion strategies and new market growth.

A #1 International Best Selling Author of, “YES I CAN!” 16 Success Secrets from Inspiring Women around the world, and collaborator of #1 Amazon National Best seller, “The Impact of Influence”, Vallye is honored to share her success secrets and energy. Vallye lives in Tampa with her husband of 24 years and three children.

In this episode, we welcome Melody Owen from Vancouver British Columbia. Melody speaks with us about what neurodivergent means and how music therapy is essential for expression and awareness of self. Melody also shares about her current projects and how they are woven into her music therapy practice.

Here is a little more about Melody:

Melody is a neurodivergent music therapist and GIM fellow working in Vancouver, BC. She received her Bachelors of Music Therapy at Capilano University and her GIM certification from the Inner Journey with GIM program. She primarily works with children and youth in a variety of community settings in Vancouver and Squamish as well as is the owner of Sing It Girls East Vancouver. Her company, Music With Melody provides music therapy services for children with extra needs and the families who support them and is a part of STEPS BC clinic, a collaborative space where families can create a team of professionals to support their child's needs. Melody continues to grow her GIM practice and is curious about the relationship between music and our spiritual well-being.

In this episode, we welcome Nicola Oddy from Perth Ontario. Nicola will be sharing details about her latest research project: Seeking Awareness of Our Selves and the Environment through Vocal Improvisation in The Singing Field. She will also explain how this research will be used in her music therapy practice.

Here is a little more about Nicola:

Nicola has been a music therapist in Canada for 37 years, using the voice as her primary mode of intervention in both her practice and in her research. She is a proud MTA, a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, and is a Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Currently, she supervises interns and professional music therapists who come to her for one-to-one and group music centred supervision both in person and online. She also teaches courses at Concordia University in Creative Arts Therapies and at Carleton University in the school for studies of art and culture and in the school for industrial design. Nicola recently fulfilled a life-long dream by completing her PhD, studying singing as a listening practice at Carleton University in the music stream of the Cultural Mediations program. Through her research-creation project, The Singing Field, she learned how environmental vocal exploration (EVE)in place can be a tool for increasing awareness of both self and place. She has written several published articles and book chapters and has served her music therapy community as conference co-ordinator, proceedings editor, on the editorial review board for the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, and as president of the CAMT.

She lives in Perth Ontario, where singing takes on a central role in her community work as she leads inclusive choirs and raises funds to increase music therapy opportunities for both therapists and music therapy recipients in Perth and Ottawa.

In this episode, we welcome Miya Adout from Toronto Ontario. Miya will speak with us about her experience as a successful music therapy business owner, what it takes to continue to succeed in the field along with advice for new music therapists. Miya also shares information about providing cultural competence training for music therapists and allied healthcare professionals who are working with Jewish older adults.

Here is a little more about Miya:

Miya Adout is a graduate of Concordia University where she received a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies after completing a BA in Culture and Expression from York University. Miya works with individuals of many ages and needs with a focus on dementia care. She opened her private practice, Miya Music Therapy, in 2015 which now consists of a team of over 10 certified music therapists providing services to individuals and care-facilities throughout Ontario. Miya is also passionate about providing training workshops for dementia care teams on the topics of using music with intention in care facilities and cultural sensitivity when working with Jewish older adults. Aside from her clinical, entrepreneurial, and coaching work, Miya spends her time practicing photography, being out in nature, and most enjoyably being with her two young children.

In this episode, we welcome Alexandra Moir from Halifax Nova Scotia. Alexandra shares with us what’s happening at the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy in terms of new projects along with some of the challenges faced in Atlantic Canada. She ends the interview with a story from her own journey to becoming a Music Therapist.

Here is a little more about Alexandra:

Alexandra Moir, BMus, CMT, MTA, is a Music Therapist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is one of two music therapists at Camp Hill, Veteran's Memorial Hospital, and loves working with seniors and the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Alexandra has conducted multiple data collection and program assessment projects and thoroughly enjoys data and processing results. Alexandra brings unique music-based interventions to her residents through harp, voice, guitar, and piano and she is passionate about Music Therapy advocacy and education through her roles of AAMT president and internship supervisor. She is also the mother of two young children who already love music!

Connect with Alexandra on Instagram: @alexandramoirmta

In this very special episode celebrating music therapy month, we have two guests joining us. First, we have Jennifer Buchanan from Calgary Alberta and we welcome Chrissy Pearson from Toronto Ontario.  We speak with Jennifer and Chrissy about what’s happening across Canada during music therapy month, their experiences moving into executive director roles along with collaborative projects to support mental wellness. Also to note, this episode is also being recorded on video to share in a different format this month.

Here is a little more about our guests:

Jennifer Buchanan:

In today’s show, we welcome Amanda Schenstead from Regina Saskatchewan. Listen in as Amanda speaks about her journey as a music therapist and her role as President of the Music Therapy Association of Saskatchewan. She also tells us more about how she views music therapy as a part of overall wellness.

A little more about Amanda:

Amanda Schenstead grew up in small town Whitewood, SK and after graduating from high school, she attended Brandon University where she completed a Bachelor Degree in Music with Majors in Flute Performance and Minors in Theatre and English. She then went on to complete a Master of Music Therapy Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON where she was also a recipient of a SSHRC Scholarship for her arts-based major research project. In 2009, she returned home to Saskatchewan where she has since been working as a music therapist at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre with the Veterans and Extended Care programs. She has also enjoyed work in the Palliative Care program which operates out of the Pasqua Hospital. Outside of work, Amanda is an active member of Regina's theatre community as an actor, director, musician, and playwright. She also enjoys weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons.

In this episode we welcome Mackenzie Costron from K'jipuktuk/ Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mackenzie shares the concepts of heart centered business within a music therapy practice framework. She also discusses her thoughts on the sustainability of heart centered entrepreneurship in Canada and globally.

Here is a little more about Mackenzie:

Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT (she/her), is the Owner and Founder of Find Your Voice Music Therapy, launching the first practice location in Katarokwi/ Kingston, ON June 2014. She launched the second Find Your Voice Music Therapy location in K'jipuktuk/ Halifax, NS July 2017 and currently provides music therapy & counselling services in Halifax area.

Mackenzie began her Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Certified Music Therapist (MTA) training with Acadia University obtaining a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT). In recent years, Mackenzie returned to campus as a part time member of the music therapy faculty instructing 3rd and 4th year students. She is also a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and completed the Narrative Therapy program through The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and University of Toronto. In addition, Mackenzie is a Heart Centered Facilitator with Costron+Co supporting creatives, therapists and health/ wellness entrepreneurs through business, coaching and mentorship sessions, workshops, and retreats.