Here is an excerpt from one of our long time clients! Rapping is a loved expressive outlet for this kiddo! And he is so good at it! His language has skyrocketed over the years and he has a deep bond with his therapist. Enjoy!
Music Care Conference 2022 Presentations- New Westminster BC
Esther Thane, presenting for the attendees
The Music Care Conference started in Canada in 2010. In 2018 we united with our friends and colleagues in the UK to bring together a larger collaboration of knowledge and expertise on a global scale! In 2022 we are looking at Music & Wellness. How does music help provide a pathway to both physical and mental wellness. We come together with a common goal to enhance quality of life and improve the care experience through music!
Our Director, Esther Thane offered two workshops at the conference:
MEET IN THE MUSIC: PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR WORKING WITH THE AUTISTIC CHILD
ROOTED IN MUSIC: RELAXATION FOR SELF-CARE
The Emerging Voice- by Lou Latil
I love singing. As a music-therapist, singing for and with my clients is one of the favorite components of my work. Losing my voice is one of my biggest fears. It happened before, temporarily, and I felt helpless, empty, deprived of my favorite way of communicating and expressing. How could I express myself without it?
When I was in France, studying for my master’s degree in music therapy, I was hired as a trainee in a medical and educational institute hosting teenagers between 12 and 20 years old. I learnt from them that without a voice or language, communication was still possible- if one was open and receptive to it. Music is, of course, one of these possible outlets, and I have seen fantastic things happening there.
Since working with ET Music Therapy, I have had special connections with my clients. One of my current clients, (we'll name him John) reminds me of one of the teens I worked with at the very beginning of my career: a teen from which I learned many useful strategies for my profession. John didn’t have access to language, and for the first few sessions, I didn’t hear any sound coming from him. John showed me his enjoyment with music therapy when coming into the studio and when playing music with me during his weekly sessions. Although he smiled a lot, not a sound came out.
After a month or so, I started to hear laughs and internalized sounds when he was happy or excited. Then one day, it happened. I heard Jonh's voice for the first time. He imitated me on a couple of sounds into the microphone. The caregiver who was there with us was astonished, saying: “I didn’t even know he could do that or make any sound”. For me, that was one of the most satisfying moments I experienced since working here. I wasn’t surprised however, although very proud and happy for John.
It is never too late to find our way to our own voice. Sometimes we only need to have someone to believe it’s in there... somewhere... deeply hidden. And when it comes out, it opens a completely new world of exploration. A couple of weeks later, John sang in the microphone spontaneously: a couple of long and low vocalizations.
This is just the beginning.
Vancouver International Film Festival- launch of WHEN TIME GOT LOUDER
So honored to be a part of this Canadian film debut experience at the Vancouver International Film Festival! 'When Time Got Louder' is a spectacular film written and directed by the incredibly talented Connie Cocchia Inspiring performances of ELIZABETH MITCHELL, Jonathan Simao, Willow Shields, Lochlyn Munro, Sharon Taylor and Ava Cooper. The cinematography and music were exquisitely created. This is a film about a family with a neurodivergent teen, family struggles, growing up, and the bond between two siblings. Highly recommend seeing this movie if you get the chance!
CJAM Radio Interview
Our Director Esther Thane was invited to do an interview for CJAM Radio (Ontario) on their program: HANDI-LINK. This program focuses on disability issues. The host Cam Wells explores all sides of this comparing and contrasting with able bodied life.
Click here to listen to Esther’s segment, start the play at “720”: Handi-Link Radio Program
Encouraging Abilities Podcast
Listen as Esther Thane, Executive Director speaks on Music Therapy- A Universal Language
ET Music Therapy Concert
What a lovely Sunday morning listening to and watching some of our clients perform their own original music, their cover songs, and movement to music performances. Our concerts offer a platform for our clients to share their hard work with their peers, families and friends!
Donation from Instruments Beyond Borders (IBB)
We are so blessed and grateful for a donation of some guitars from the organization Instruments Beyond Borders. We are able to offer our kiddos, teens and adults a variety of cool guitars for them to express themselves during improvisation, when exploring song writing, learning their favorite songs, or learning how to play guitar! Thanks so much IBB
Variety Show of Hearts Telethon Segment!
We are thankful for Variety- The Children’s Charity for generously funding our music therapy services at ET Music Therapy. Checkout the segment on a few of our clients
Drum Set Donation
We are blessed to have received a generous donation of a drum set from Kristi Grant- daughter of the late Jeffery Grant. Jeffrey was a great musician. He played the drums and the guitar. His favorite music genres were Rock and Country. Jeffrey played in a Christian band for many years. His original song: "From Me to You" won a competition and was chosen to be aired on the radio. Originally from Ontario, he moved to New Westminster, BC a few years before his passing, where his daughter Kristi currently resides. The family wanted Jeffrey’s legacy to live on through the positive use of his drum set. It will be enjoyed by all of our clients at ET Music Therapy. The kiddos have already been exploring the instruments as they continue on their musical and developmental journey through the medium of music. Jeffrey will be very missed by his family.
Thank you so very much to Jeffrey’s family for this thoughtful and generous donation. Love and light to you whom he left behind.
25th Anniversary- How it all began
Photos From Our Celebration Event
Our 25th Anniversary at ET Music Therapy!!
It’s our 25th Anniversary at ET Music Therapy! It’s hard to believe that so many years have past. We’re so honored to make a difference here in Vancouver! We started out traveling to schools and homes, and now we service the North Vancouver and Richmond community in 2 studio locations.
In November, (Covid restrictions permitting), we are hosting a small, closed celebration to honor and give thanks to our community sponsors, donors, and supporters. We are also hosting a silent auction to create a bursary for families that cannot otherwise afford music therapy services. Thank you to all who have supported us over the years .
Health Tech Summit Presentation
Presenting for the Technology Association of Oregon's Health Tech Summit, happening virtually on November 15th and 16th. I'll be part of an Innovation Showcase session highlighting health technology companies, speaking about the UnitusTI platform for therapy and education.
Australian National Music Therapy Conference Presentation 2021
Grateful to present twice at the Australian National Music Therapy Conference and once at their PDS Workshop (on the topics of: music therapy documentation & interventions from the Meet in The Music curriculum for autism). What a great group of colleagues down under ❤️
Beyond the Studio Podcast: Learn about the Meet In The Music© Curriculum & Music Therapy Goal Bank
Excited to be a guest (Esther Thane) on these two amazing women's podcast: Adrienne Pringle & Cathy Thompson! Podcast title: “Connecting with Children with Autism & Diverse Needs through Music”
To listen, just search ‘Canadian Music Therapy’ in your favourite podcast app, OR:
on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gci56J_U
on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../connecting.../id1553074293...
Talking about the Relaxation Recordings...
On this episode of the Music Therapy Chronicles podcast, talking about the relaxation recordings and how they were developed & refined them throughout 15 years of working with the Autism community in public schools.
Click here to listen: PODCAST
"The Integration of Music In Life"
Esther Thane is speaking at this circle, on how to use vulnerability & authenticity to empower yourself, and how to value music as a healer in your physical, mental and spiritual health. Thank you Anu Krishna and The Soulful Exploration for the opportunity!
Presenting at Dr. Petra Kern & Marcia Humpal's Webinar series
Amongst amazing company, Esther Thane was a guest on this webinar series on telehealth music therapy. Thank you Petra Kern & Marcia Humpal for inviting me!
Presenting at the Canadian Association of Music Therapists National Conference 2021
The Canadian Association of Music Therapists annual conference begins May 29- June 14, 2021. Emily Naccarato and Esther Thane are both doing presentations. Esther will be sharing about her journey with open-heart surgery with original artwork by her daughter, and Emily will be sharing about online music therapy sessions tools and strategies.
Free Music Therapy Sessions Thanks to the Canadian Band BIG WRECK's Photographer Nina Skowronski
It is with great honour that ET Music Therapy is proud to offer 6 music therapy sessions- free of charge to one family with a child with diverse needs. This is a result of a fundraising collaboration with Nina Skowronski, photographer for the Canadian Band BIG WRECK. It is in honour of the former guitarist of the band: Brian Doherty, who passed away from cancer 2019.
STORY: Nina Skowronski opened her photo gallery to honor Brian, his work and legacy with Big Wreck with 100% of proceeds donated to ET Music to carry on his wish. Brian wanted to connect with ET Music Therapy (after Big Wreck's last North American tour), about his work in therapeutic music work he was doing, but once the tour was over he was not able to, as his diagnosis progressed.
WORDS FROM NINA:
"With the spirit of celebration, gathering, giving, looking back at the year and on the cusp of a new decade there is much to celebrate. A sweet and rocking pause to celebrate a special piece of Big Wreck & to celebrate Brian with a look ahead at his music legacy woven into the songs this tour and tours to come in longevity Big Wreck has defined.
ET Music Therapy uses music in connecting with diverse needs. Their one simple principle, “Music is one of the most motivating and effective mediums for building strong connections with individuals with Autism and other diverse needs.” 100% of purchases will go toward covering services for families with children with diverse needs who cannot afford music therapy services, having children share in music through Brian’s legacy.
Why ET Music Therapy?
I met Esther Thane, founder of ET Music Therapy, at a Vancouver show where she was interviewing @Ian Thornley. With us located on two different coasts we’ve remained connected through the powers of the digital world. Brian and I had a lot of conversations about his work in music and the ways he could share it and assist others in making life more well rounded and working with ET Music Therapy. With the tour still up and running we waited. Today I’m picking up a piece where we left off. Music inspires us, haunts us, it lifts us up - it taught us our ABC’s - the power of music is why this organization was chosen to connect the work of music therapy and Brian’s work in music.
Thank you Esther for this opportunity to serve and to serve with music that can positively impact the life of one and the lives of those around them. Thank you Brian - Thank you Ian Thornley, Chuck Keeping, Dave McMillin, Chris Caddell”
Nina
Nina Skowronski Photography