Canadian Music Therapy

In this episode, we are speaking with Valmy Assam about her experience as a music therapist and what she enjoys most. She tells us more about an interesting journey she had which changed the trajectory of her career. Valmy also shares her thoughts about her future aspirations in and out of the field of music therapy.

Here is a little more about Valmy:

Valmy is a certified music therapist based in St. John's, Newfoundland working with Newfoundland Health Services in Mental Health, and in private practice, on a part-time basis. She uses a humanistic person-centered model while working with infants, adolescents, young adults, and adults to support their strengths while nurturing authentic relationships.

Sing it Girls program Information

Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

She created the Singing Well bereavement support group, her research in collaboration with Concordia university is published in the Summer 2018 issue of Bereavement Care. Her most recent publication, "Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Contact Adrienne for Supervision

I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of:

The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

Buy Now!

"Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Thompson, C., Girls Talk : An anti-stigma program for young women to promote understanding of and awareness about depression: Facilitator’s manual, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada.

In this episode, we are speaking with Méliane Laurier-Cromp about the diversity of positions and partnerships she is currently involved in as a music therapist. Méliane also shares information about why she decided to get involved with the board of AQM and her journey towards becoming a professor in the graduate diploma program at Concordia.

Here is a little more about Méliane:

After graduating from a Masters in Music Theory at McGill University, Méliane wished to find a way to use music to reach people and help them live their full life. She studied music therapy at in the graduate certificate program at Concordia University in Montreal. After her certification, she mostly worked in social pediatrics. She enjoyed working in an interdisciplinary team, with physicians, social workers and other professionals and finding solutions to multi-faceted challenges. Méliane collaborates with the National Music Therapy Institute to promote and advocate for music therapy. Lately, Méliane has been working with Le Phare, an organization for children facing a life-limiting illness. In September 2024, Méliane started teaching at Concordia in the graduate diploma program. She also serves as the secretary for Association Québécoise de musicothérapie.

Sing it Girls program Information

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

She created the Singing Well bereavement support group, her research in collaboration with Concordia university is published in the Summer 2018 issue of Bereavement Care. Her most recent publication, "Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Contact Adrienne for Supervision

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen firsthand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy.

I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of:

The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

Buy Now!

Publications:

"Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Thompson, C., Girls Talk : An anti-stigma program for young women to promote understanding of and awareness about depression: Facilitator’s manual, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada.

In this episode, we are speaking with Shona Pottinger about what it’s like to offer music therapy services in the smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island. Shona tells us more about internship opportunities with Singing Sands Music Therapy and her journey to becoming a music therapist.

Here is a little more about Shona:

Shona founded Singing Sands Music Therapy in PEI in 2010 and has experience working with clients from ages 24 months to 100 years who have a variety of diagnoses, including Dementia, Alzheimer's, ABI, Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, and Global Developmental Delay. Shona completed her undergraduate degree at Acadia University, after which she undertook a 7-month internship position at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While contracting her services to long-term care facilities in the Charlottetown area for both group and individual sessions, Shona has continued to develop a successful practice. Continuing education is also an important part of Shona's commitment to providing quality music therapy services. She has completed multiple workshops ranging from Mental Health First Aid to behaviour modification approaches, as well as attended regional, national, and international music therapy conferences.

Learn more about Beyond the Studio’s services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

She created the Singing Well bereavement support group, her research in collaboration with Concordia university is published in the Summer 2018 issue of Bereavement Care. Her most recent publication, "Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Contact Adrienne for Supervision

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy.

I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of:

The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

Buy Now!

Publications:

"Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.

Thompson, C., Girls Talk : An anti-stigma program for young women to promote understanding of and awareness about depression: Facilitator’s manual, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada.

In this episode, we are speaking with Suzanne Caron about her unique journey in becoming a music therapist and how the National Music Therapy Institute, a not for profit, was established. Suzanne shares details about the unique approach offered by the Institute's pilot projects, along with an invitation to contribute to their dynamic website developed to raise awareness and advocate for music therapy. Finally, she shares her vision for the future of the profession of music therapy.

Sing it Girls! is now available for purchase so you

Here is a little more about Suzanne:

Suzanne Caron holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (1974) and a MBA in Finance (1982). During most of her career, she works as a consultant, first in Information Systems, and later in Management and Strategic Planning. During that time, she also raises 4 children, gets involved in the local schools and eventually in municipal politics, first as councillor, later as Mayor. In 2006, after loosing her election for a 2nd mandate as Mayor, she is at turning point, looking for new challenges, wanting to continue to contribute. In 2009, she goes back to school to join the Music Therapy Graduate Certificate Program, at Concordia University. Certified MTA in 2012, she explores how her business experience, network of contacts and new qualifications can be put to work towards the cause of Music Therapy. In 2016, she creates the nonprofit National Music Therapy Institute, obtaining its charitable status in 2018.

For more information about the National Music Therapy Institute and to contribute to their database:

English: https://www.inmt.ca/en

French: https://www.inmt.ca/fr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555744817432

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-music-therapy-institute/

Learn more about Beyond the Studio’s services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

Contact Adrienne for Supervision

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy. I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

Buy Now!

In this episode, we are speaking with Kristen DiMarco about her journey to becoming a music therapist and her specialization in pediatric hospice work. Kristen also tells us more about her vision for the future of the profession of music therapy in Canada.

Here is a little more about Kristen:

Kristen DiMarco, a certified Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist, holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Arts in Creatives Arts Therapies from Concordia University. Kristen is the music therapist at Emily’s House Children’s Hospice where she supports children and families who are navigating life limiting illness and loss through both the inpatient and home-visiting programs. Kristen has been practicing music therapy for over 8 years, previously working with adults in community, hospital, and long-term care settings. She is on the Board of Directors of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario, holding the role of Government Regulation Chair for three years before recently transitioning to the role of Ethics Chair.

Learn more about ⁠Beyond the Studio’s⁠ services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

⁠Contact Adrienne for Supervision⁠

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy. I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

⁠Buy Now!

In this episode, we are speaking with Annabelle Brault who shares with us about her journey to becoming a music therapist along with why she has chosen to focus her published research around clinical work with informal caregivers. Annabelle also tells us more about why she has chosen to study digital well being as part of her doctoral work.

Here is a little more about Annabelle:

Annabelle Brault, MA, MTA is a resource-oriented music therapist, musician, researcher and educator. She is an artist member of the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance at Concordia University, and the French content editor for the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy. She provides music therapy services in-person and online in various community organisations and institutions in the greater Montreal area as well as professional music therapy supervision at the National Institute of Music Therapy. She is a PhD Candidate at Concordia University investigating the potential of musicking for exploring digital well-being issues in post-secondary students. Other research interests include the use of music technology as a creative medium to instill social change, as well as resource-oriented approaches in clinical and educational contexts. Annabelle teaches both in-person and online learning in the Creative Arts Therapies department at Concordia University, and most recently in the Department of Music Research at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music.

Learn more about ⁠Beyond the Studio’s⁠ services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

⁠Contact Adrienne for Supervision⁠

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy. I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

⁠Buy Now!

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.

The Music Therapy Association of Ontario (MTAO)

Here is a little more about Steffi:

Steffi is a recent MA graduate of the Music and Health Sciences program at the University of Toronto. With a decade of experience as a certified music therapist, Steffi has embarked on a new venture by founding "Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Ontario," where her focus is specifically on working with stroke patients in the next chapter of her career. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Steffi remains actively involved in academia. Until the end of June 2024, she dedicates her expertise to assisting current PhD students with their research projects. These projects explore the impact of music on individuals dealing with stroke, autism, depression, and suicide. Notably, Steffi has also been hired as a casual research assistant for the Centre of Depression and Suicide Studies at St. Michael's Hospital. Currently, Steffi leads the Toronto-Area Music Therapists group. Concurrently, she serves as the Vice-President of the MTAO Board of Directors, contributing to the advancement and governance of the field. Steffi's commitment to the intersection of music and health continues to shape both her professional journey and the broader landscape of music therapy.

Learn more about ⁠Beyond the Studio’s⁠ services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

⁠Contact Adrienne for Supervision⁠

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy. I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

⁠Buy Now!

In this episode, we are speaking with Pam Lansbergen with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Pam will share more about her decade-long journey with the CAMT along with some of the key initiatives she’s been involved with. Pam also tells us about her biggest learning moment and her thoughts on the future of music therapy in Canada.

Here is a little more about Pam:

Pam has been working for CAMT since 2013 with a focus on delivery of member services, volunteer management, event management, and systems development. When not at work, Pam enjoys spending time with her husband, cats and dog. She is an avid trail runner and serves as a Race Co-director for Phoenix Trail Races in London, Ontario.

Learn more about ⁠Beyond the Studio’s⁠ services for psychotherapy and music therapy along with supervision.

Beyond the Studio and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

⁠Contact Adrienne for Supervision⁠

Cathy is a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen first hand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy. I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.

Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up

⁠Buy Now!

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:

https://cjmt-rcm.musictherapy.ca/index.php/cjmt-rcm/issue/view/4

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.

For more information about the fund, please visit: https://musictherapyfund.ca/

Chrissy Pearson:

Chrissy is a certified music therapist, registered psychotherapist and fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. She has worked in various settings including long-term care, palliative care, acute care, group homes, and inpatient and community mental health. She currently works in Toronto at Baycrest Centre, is the executive director of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and runs a small private practice offering GIM and supervision. Chrissy recently published a paper exploring the experiences of older adults who are aging at home with online music therapy sessions. Advocating for music therapy and providing presentations and consultations about the benefits of music therapy is an important part of her work.

Quentin Burgess:

Quentin Burgess is the Director of Industry and Member Relations at Music Canada, who represents Canada's major record labels. In this role, he works closely with label staff and industry partners, and oversees the organization's Gold/Platinum Certification Program, which recognizes and celebrates milestone sales of music in Canada. Quentin is the Board Chair of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund, and a member of CMTF's Advocacy Committee

Aprajita Saxena:

Aprajita is a certified music therapist and the manager for the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, supported by the Canadian Music Therapy Fund. In her journey as a music therapist, she has had the opportunity to work with children and older adults with varying clinical goals, mental health needs, and cultural backgrounds. Her clinical work is rooted in a person-centered approach that involves the use of music to connect and support individuals with their holistic wellness goals. Additionally, her recent research initiatives have been focused on understanding the global music therapy landscape with a special focus on India. In her spare time, one can find her travelling, reading fiction or singing Indian classical music.

Hannah You:

Hannah You, a Certified Music Therapist completed her Master of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2009. Her current position at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has afforded her the opportunity to provide music therapy services in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cardiology and works closely with the Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT). She has completed a specialized NICU music therapy training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York. Hannah is a Board Member of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund since 2019 and is incoming Vice Chair. She leads the Disbursements Committee and is passionate about creating continued opportunities for grants and scholarships for music therapy across Canada.