Peoples Music Therapy

01/28/2025

We're opening Vancouvers first in-person music therapy studio. Thank you all for your support over the years :) its slowly coming together.

Book online: https://peoplesmusictherapy.janeapp.com/

Learn more: https://peoplesmusictherapy.com

There is a long tradition of music therapy in health practices around the world. Peoples Music Therapy aspires to bring evidence-based, compassionate, culturally competent music experiences to our modern healthcare systems. We are here to ensure that where there are people, there is music.

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https://youtu.be/H2meTS77z5Y

Music therapy is the clinical application of music as provided by a credentialed professional who encourages, maintains, and promotes improved health in indi...

09/30/2024

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and also Orange Shirt Day. This day is meant to honor survivors of residential schools, the children who never made it home, and their families and communities. We acknowledge that Indigenous communities are still facing the ongoing impacts of colonization. We also acknowledge the healing power of music in all cultures, including the deep and rich traditions of Indigenous music and storytelling.

We are committed to continuous learning, decolonizing our practices, and uplifting Indigenous voices. Learn more at orangeshirtday.org.

08/19/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet our intern, Kaia!**

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Kaia (she/her) has been living and working on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations since 2017. Her experiences as a mixed Asian q***r woman have shaped her worldview deeply, aligning her music therapy approach with an anti-oppressive framework. She also believes strongly that music-making is essential to the human experience, and that every person can grow and change through their relationship with music.

Kaia has clinical experience working with seniors in long-term care, neurodiverse children, and adults in substance abuse recovery. In 2023, she completed her Level 1 training in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM).

Kaia is also a classically trained pianist, having earned her Bachelor of Music from UBC in 2021, and continues to teach piano in the Greater Vancouver area. She enjoys playing other instruments as well, including guitar, ukulele, violin, and Balinese Gamelan.

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08/16/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Steven!**

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Steven found his love for music at an early age when his parents bought his first piano and signed him up for piano lessons. He also grew up an active kid as he also did swimming and found joy being in recreation. After years of working recreation and aquatics, he found that he was missing something.

Upon rediscovering his joy for music, Steven Tang enrolled at York University in Toronto and completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Piano Performance in 2021. From there, he discovered music therapy and went to Capilano University, where he completed his Bachelor of Music Therapy University in 2024. During his time at CapU, he found an opportunity to do many practicums including one at Vancouver General Hospital and completed his internship at BC Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Steven continues to work part-time as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the City of Vancouver where he teaches adapted swim lessons and is a national lifeguard instructor. During his free time Steven enjoys playing video games, watching sports, and laying on the beach.

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08/12/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Marty!**

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Hello, my name is Marty. I am a certified music therapist from Capilano University. I have been working as a music therapist for over five years and have specialized in senior care and neurodivergent kids. I grew up in a small town and have moved here to Abbotsford after my schooling where I have been working since graduation.

I started my music career as a punk bass player in my teenage years, and have been loving learning new instruments and genres of music. I mostly play guitar and sing these days, but I still enjoy many different styles of music.

My hobby are mostly very nerdy as I love games and story telling in many forms. My favourite music is electro swing and I love hearing peoples favourite songs.

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08/08/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Ian!**

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Ian received a Bachelor of Applied Music from Vancouver Community College where he studied jazz saxophone and took courses in composition, arranging, and jazz piano, and a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy from Concordia University in Montreal. Ian has worked as a personal support councillor for disabled persons, and he is also an experienced teacher having taught English and Music for several years.

Ian’s clinical experience in music therapy includes working with clients in mental health, geriatrics, palliative care, dementia care, and autistic individuals. He believes in taking a client-centered approach and he draws on a wide range of music therapy techniques. Ian believes deeply in the power of music and the important role that it can play in helping us access and express our emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

In his spare time, Ian enjoys being outside in nature, reading, and catching up with family and friends.

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08/04/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Sanjana!**

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Sanjana moved to BC with the intention to bridge her love for psychology and music through Capilano University’s music therapy program. She completed her BMT degree in 2023 and is now a practicing certified music therapist.

Sanjana currently works at two long-term care facilities through Vancouver Coastal Health. She has experience working with diverse clinical populations that include mental health, addictions, brain injuries, dementia, ASD, and other complex health conditions.

Her personal experiences led her to a path of providing a sanctuary for her clients. She believes it is a gift to hold space for others’ self-expression and create a sense of belonging for those who tend to be neglected.

In her free time, Sanjana loves listening to music, spending time with her dog and being in nature :)

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08/01/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Bowie!**

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Bowie grew up in Vancouver and has been playing music since he was a child. With a passion for helping others, Bowie earned his Bachelor’s of Music Therapy in 2022, he has been honing his practice with populations in need such as the elderly and those with mental health diagnoses.

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07/28/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Josh!**

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Josh was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Vancouver, Canada, at the age of 10. Josh is a new grad from the music therapy bachelor’s program at Capilano University. Josh has been playing music for since he was 13 years old, and while guitar has been the focus, Josh also plays a variety of other instruments, such as piano, voice, drums, and bass.

Josh’s music therapy journey began with his passion for music and helping others. His approach is client-centric and improvisational; he tailors each session to the unique needs of the clients. He has extensive experience working with children ranging from neurotypical to those with ASD and ADHD, both in and out of the school system. Josh also has experience supporting adults with a variety of mental health disorders, such as addictions and psychosis.

In his free time, Josh enjoys learning and listening to the blues, spending time with friends, family and their dog.

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07/24/2024

Today is International Self-Care Day!

Founded by the Global Self-Care Federation, this day highlights the importance of self-care, which they define as “the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them.” This approach enables people to effectively manage their own health with the support of health and social care professionals when needed.

Music and self-care are deeply connected, as music serves as a powerful and accessible tool for nurturing our minds, bodies, and souls. A person’s relationship with music can play a vital role in their wellness journey. 🎶🌱

selfcarefederation.org
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07/22/2024

**Staff Profile: Meet Martin!**

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Martin grew up in the tri-cities, on the unceded territories of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). Martin has music therapy experience in a variety of settings, including but not limited to; working with children in and outside the school system, acute psychiatry, and in adult mental health and addictions. Martin also has nearly a decade of experience teaching music.

Although Martin is open to a variety of approaches, Martin relies predominantly on musical improvisation and collaborative song writing in their work. On top of having experience on a wide variety of instruments, Martin also often uses music technology with clients.

Martin graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy (BMT) in January 2022 & has become a Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) by the Canadian Associan Of Music Therapists in April 2022 . Martin also has completed the first level of GIM (Guided Imagery & Music) training in May 2021.

In his spare time, Martin enjoys snowboarding, making candles, and playing music at local venues.

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07/20/2024

Peoples Music Therapy will be attending Pride at Strathcona Park on July 23rd, from 11am-3pm. Visit our booth to explore instruments, learn about music therapy, and discover more about the work that we love to do. Come say hi! 🎶
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