By Lora Heller
I am one of the lucky ones – I really do find joy at work. While it’s quite a challenge to run a business, I am not just behind the scenes. I appreciate being on the front lines, having the opportunity to share new experiences with my clients every day. As a music therapist and a teacher of the Deaf, a college & grad school clinical coordinator and (adjunct) professor, I work with so many different people. Each day is an adventure.
My client pictured above meets me in the Zoom room every Monday afternoon. The past couple weeks, he wheeled himself away for a moment and returned wearing a ‘home on the range’ hat. I’m reminded each week about the power of music and the importance of accessible language. His expressive language is a combination of speech and sign, both approximated and precise. Sometimes it’s hard for him to communicate – and sometimes it’s hard for me to know what he needs. But that smile… that’s always clear. During the rare times he appears frustrated trying to put on his sock puppets or to reach for his favorite chapstick, we’re able to talk through it or he calls out to his amazing support staff for help. We share a love of purple. And while I never really felt that songs from Barney (the big purple dinosaur) were therapeutic, some of them bring such joy to this very special client of mine that they are part of my repertoire. Client preferred music and freedom of choice are important in music therapy – and in life.
According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, communicative and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, a qualified, credentialed music therapist provides the indicated treatment that may include receptive music (such as listening), composition/song writing, improvisation, and/or re-creative music (singing and playing precomposed music in our own way). Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives (Adapted from musictherapy.org). Sometimes treatment is short term and aimed at managing pain or improving quality of life. Music therapy is quite intuitive, but it’s also evidence based work with a strong theoretical foundation. The research is exciting.
As a music therapist, I’ve worked with so many different people in a variety of settings. I’ve used live music in nursing homes to enhance memory, reduce isolation, support gait training and language. In adolescent psychiatry, I’ve used music to foster emotional self-expression through improvisation and composition, with a focus on self-worth and a healthy lifestyle. My work in pediatric medical settings focused on pain management, normalization and emotional self-expression, procedural support – in addition to life support and family relationships in the NICU (music to assist with breathing, feeding, and bonding), rehabilitation for patients with head injury, and more. I had the distinct honor of working in hospice care as well – with adults and with children. So while not every day was filled with joy, there were many moments that were incredibly meaningful. In early childhood special education, I’ve used songs and musical play to support self-confidence, socialization, and language. Each intervention or treatment plan is designed for the specific patient, client, or group based on their strengths and needs.
At Baby Fingers, I’ve combined my music therapy practice and my special education / Deaf education work. I have the pleasure of seeing individuals and groups of all ages and abilities throughout my week. Sometimes I share! 
Our professional team at Baby Fingers is quite wonderful, and one of our teachers recently said that this was ‘literally the best job in the world’ – so I sense that he finds joy at work too.
When one of our students or clients uses language for the first time or expands language during our programs, the excitement, joy, and pride are all palpable. One of my 1:1 music therapy clients, at age 3, referred to his mom by name (Mom) for the first time ever, by signing ‘Mom’ during a song where we were dancing and singing together. He wanted her to join in too. At Baby Fingers, several of our little ones have signed more, love/I love you, mom or dad, friend, music, and all done or stop for the first time while engaging in class. Those who are signing already often expand their language use during our programs and initiate (sign) conversation with peers or adults. I’m also so full of pride when my older clients share an achievement, and when my music therapy college and graduate students pass their board certification or get their first jobs.
It’s truly a joy to witness this development – I feel fortunate every day!