Accessible Music

When I began my journey as a music therapy student, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that left me bed ridden for 4 months. I had to drop out of college and rethink my entire life.

I understood the challenges we had in the education system with creating accessible places for all, but I never truly LIVED it until then.

During one of the loneliest times of my life, I defiantly picked up a computer, midi piano, and microphone. I started writing an EP from my bed. I decided this was the reason I would be a music therapist. To bring music to people where they otherwise thought it couldn’t be. Writing during this time saved me mentally and helped my healing journey.

As years went on and I learned to manage my chronic illness better, I was able to return to college and had a greater perspective on what it means to have an accessible music education.

Musical instruments can be expensive, heavy, hard to figure out. It requires money, teachers, and some form of physical and mental strength.

This is where community efforts, music therapy, and adaptive teaching come in.

Community non profits allow us to donate instruments to programs for low income areas, music therapy teaches us how to adapt musical instruments for different strength levels and cognitive abilities. Adaptive teaching allows us to create class models that help students thrive who may not have in a classic model.

As we live in a world of people of all walks of life, we need to be able to accommodate and create space for those who fear music just isn’t for them.

Music is for everyone.

Music therapists across the nation are opening the door for inclusion in music. All efforts to support and promote music therapy can further enhance someone’s opportunities.

Today’s Message:

Music is for everyone. Music is adaptable. Find ways to make joys of life accessible for everyone.

-Not your average music blog