We’ve been receiving dozens of stories from people coast to coast about the transformative power of music. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are publishing a story every day in May.

Submitted by: Kathleen Skinner

Even as a young kid, I knew music was important in my life. From plunking the piano keys as soon as I was tall enough to reach them, to joining my first (of many) choir at age five, music was always there. So was my Grandma. My Grandma and I had a special bond that seemed to diminish our 80 year age gap. I have many fond memories of tea time, scrabble, backyard games, and lots of laughs. When my

Grandma’s health started to decline and her memories were lost to dementia, music was something that helped keep our bond alive. As the years progressed, Grandma started to forget who we were and she lost the ability to communicate verbally. It was tough.

One day, during the Christmas season, I went to visit her with piano books in tow. She sat and quietly listened while I played different carols, until I opened the music for “Away in a Manger”. As I played and sang, Grandma started to sing with me. That connection we felt through music surpassed anything I understood or had experienced to that point; it was indescribable. And in that moment, the importance of music took on a whole new meaning in my life.

I hold this memory dear and it was one I did not share with others very often, until I was applying for my Master of Music Therapy studies. I was asked why I wanted to become a music therapist, and that was the biggest why. Today, I now work in mental health care as a Music Therapist and Psychotherapist. I have the privilege of facilitating musical moments of connection, realization, and ultimately growth. I feel so lucky to have a career that creates meaning in my life and the lives of others, and I enjoy writing new music stories every day.

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