Canadian Music Therapy

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

For more information about resources from today’s show, please visit: https://beyondthestudio.ca

In this episode, we speak with Fleur Hughes from Calgary Alberta. Fleur discusses her humanistic approach to Music Therapy using Improvisation with children along with inspiring advice for new music therapists based on her clinical career.

Here is a little more about Fleur:

Fleur Hughes completed her Music Therapy Master’s degree at the University of West England in 2015 and is working towards a PHD focusing on improvisation, mental health and well-being. Fleur's therapeutic approach is rooted in a person-centered, humanistic perspective - she is currently working as a certified music therapist (MTA) in a special education school with elementary aged children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. Fleur also serves as the ethics director for the MTAA and received the 2020 Advocacy Award from the CAMT.

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:

Jennifer is Founder and Visionary Architect of JB Music Therapy (JBMT), and thrice nominated for the Community Impact Award by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.  Author of 3 books, ‘Tune In‘ ‘Wellness Incorporated‘ and Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist  she is a keynote speaker at national and international conventions, on music and mental health, music therapy, and health entrepreneurship. Combining her experience as a Certified music therapist with her MBA,  Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists – CAMT, our professional organization (Jennifer has volunteered as a 2 time past President) – has recognized Jennifer with both the Norma Sharpe Award for lifetime achievement and the Frani Award, named after her long-time mentor and friend.

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. Chrissy is an active clinical supervisor and has received teaching and supervision awards. Advocating for music therapy and providing presentations and consultations about the benefits of music therapy is an important part of her work.

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

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.

MTAS website: https://musictherapysk.com/

MTAS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Music-Therapy-Association-of-Saskatchewan-272929639392252/

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

In this episode we welcome Sandy Pelley, the founder of Creative Music Therapy Solutions and Music Therapy Suite. Sandy shares her experiences with us about her journey to becoming a music therapist along with how she established her two businesses. We also learn more about Sandy’s vision for the future of music therapy.

A little more about Sandy:

Sandy Pelley is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) who owns and runs Creative Music Therapy Solutions and Music Therapy Suite. She also has a small clinical practice, working mostly with children on the autism spectrum. She graduated in 1989 with a diploma from Capilano, and then returned to Capilano University to receive her degree in 1994. Sandy also has a BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Sandy has been a member of both the MTABC and the CAMT since 1987. She has been the Accreditation Chair for the CAMT, and a Regional Representative, as well as currently sits on the board for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund.  Sandy was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award for the MTABC in 2018 and received a lifetime membership.  Last year Creative Music Therapy Solutions was the recipient of a CMTF grant to work with front line workers, with Corrections Canada in a pilot project, planning eventually to bring Music Therapy to Corrections Canada across Canada.

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

This “mash up” is in celebration of our 1-year anniversary of the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast!

One of the important parts of the interviews with our guests is asking them to share a poignant story with listeners in their as work music therapists. On this episode, we have created a compilation of 8 guests from 2021 that focuses on their stories and experiences as music therapists in Canada. We hear from Susan LeMessurier-Quinn, Elaine Cheung, Dr. Kevin Kirkland, Tess McKinnon, Mary Meads, Dr. Amy Clements-Cortes, Adrienne Pringle, and Noreen Donnell. 

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

In this episode, we welcome Robyn Peters, the President of the Music Therapy Association of Manitoba. Robyn who speaks about her journey from completing her degree in music therapy to quickly moving into the role of MTAM board president. Robyn also shares more about the projects that MTAM is involved with along with the FACT-MB certification process.

Robyn began pursuing her music therapy degree at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg and then completed her degree in 2018 through the online program at Saint Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana. Shortly after becoming a certified music therapist Robyn joined the MTAM board to connect with other music therapists and then in 2019 she became the board president. Over the past 4 years Robyn has been working with a number of different clients. This has included working at care homes, children with autism, adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, children in foster care, and working with those dealing with grief and loss. When she is not busy juggling her schedule between in person and online sessions Robyn enjoys spending time with her family. Robyn and her husband Garry have been married for 36years, have 4 grown children, and one grandson (and a golden retriever named Jack). One of their favourite things to do together is head out in their camper (aka The Tiny House) and enjoy some relaxing time at one of the many campsites in Manitoba. Robyn has also discovered that she enjoys painting and drawing and has found this to be a great outlet for self-care.

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

In this episode, we have created a mash up of four interviews from 2021 that focuses on the visions our guests have for the future of music therapy in Canada. We hear inspiring ideas from Dr. Susan Summers, Dr. Amy Clements-Cortes, Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell, and Dr. SarahRose Black as ways to look ahead to what is possible.

Our featured guests:

Dr. Summers: at 1:21

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

In this episode, we have created a mash up of four interviews from 2021 that focuses on the journey to become a Music Therapist. We hear about the personal origin stories from Noreen Donnell, Jennifer Buchanan, Chrissy Pearson and Stephen Williams. We learn how these successful music therapists started their careers and the winding paths they have had. 

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy

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.

https://www.instagram.com/costronco/

To join the discussion online, please use hashtag #CanadianMusicTherapy