My Music Therapy Journey
Isabella’s Graduation Commencement
Biola University - May 2024
Join us in celebrating with Isabella completing her music therapy degree from Biola University in CA. We are excited to have Isabella join our practice as a music therapy intern. We asked Isabella to reflect on why she became a music therapist and how her training has been so far. Here is her response below.
Music therapy felt right to me since the moment I was introduced to it. It clicked in my heart that it was something I was meant to do. My passion for helping people has only grown over the years and so has my love for music.
After only a month of internship at Mewsic Moves, I can see I am just scratching the surface of all music can provide for our clients and help equip them in every aspect of their life. The difference between music therapy and performing, is that music therapy isn’t focused on the quality of sound and musicianship you are producing. Rather it is about utilizing music to empower the children and adults we work with, whether that be through self confidence building, social communication and interaction, sensory regulation, coping and motor skills or simply to improve quality of life. Music has no limits to who and how it can help an individual.
Working as an intern at Mewsic Moves has introduced me to a whole new population, giving me the privilege and opportunity to work with Neurodivergent children and adults. It has taught me how every individual and client is vastly different and thus requires different approaches. I have been learning more and more how to be present in sessions, going on the timeline of the client, that could mean working on one song or activity the entire time and exploring their goals within it. I can see myself supporting this specific population by utilizing gentleness and continuing to harness a patient and present mindset. When I go slower and give space, I can better understand the needs of my client and keeping a calm and gentle demeanor is key in providing a safe and accepting space for clients to feel comfortable and empowered to learn and grow.
I don’t have a super big voice or personality, but what I am able to bring is calm, kindness and compassion to the people I work with and a drive to never give up on them. I want to continue to learn about sensory regulation/integration that will help me better understand the children and adults I am working with to make their music experiences one of joy and self expression. That will also look like providing them a space to meet them where they are at, whether that be in a place of anxiety, anger, sadness or joy, it is all welcomed.
Isabella Perez
Music Therapy Intern - Mewsic Moves
Check out Izzy’s Video
We are so excited to have you as a part of the Mewsic Moves family Izzy! I know all our families and clients are going to benefit so much from your musical talents and music therapy education/experience.