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At Work with Music Therapy for All Ages

April 25, 2008

Name: Music Therapy for All Ages

Type of business: Individualized Music Therapy

Address: 568 Downer Street Westfield

Telephone: (908) 789-9621

Web site: www.musictherapyforallages.com

Number of employees: 1

Founded: September 2007

Top officer: Sheri Kandel, therapist and owner

How would you describe your business?

"It's a private practice available to people of all ages with any physical or psychological disabilities they may have. We have a musical intervention for them," said Sheri Kandel, music therapist and owner of Music Therapy for all Ages.

"Interventions are done through various ways, where you play music with the clients and go with the emotions of the music. You can do songwriting with the clients to help self-expression. We do guided imagery with clients -- a relaxation method. We also offer individualized piano lessons as therapy -- it creates focus and self-esteem. I also teach guitar and drums.

"My clients range in age from infants, where using sound calms them down, to children, adolescents, adults, and with the geriatric population to help with memory and speech. There is a musical intervention for any difficulty.

"Most of my clients right now are on the autistic spectrum. They respond more readily to music than to a verbal interaction. They are focused on trying something new. Music also activates different parts of the brain. They get more motivated through the music. Mostly we use live music instead of records. It really helps to bring out a human connection we make, because a lot of time autistic kids don't get that connection. So when a music therapist connects with them, it's a healthy interaction."

What makes your business special?

"Introducing the ability for a child to play his own music. This takes music in a scientific way to help achieve a goal for health. It's safe, effective, and has no side effects. Using something as special as music is going to inspire people to react in more healthy way. I'm thrilled to introduce kids to music they can perform on their own. People use music in their lives all the time."

"Music Therapy is a valid treatment enabling kids to discover things they can do they couldn't do before.

"What I also find also fulfilling to me is how parents react. They didn't know that their child could play. When the child does they are happy knowing their child can now play an instrument and I understand the feelings the parent has when they see their child achieving and I feel fulfilled."

What goals do you have for the business?

"To let people know I am here. A lot of people don't know I exist. If people need music therapy, I want them to know I am here and I'm glad to do it."

How has your business changed?

"I used to work in a hospital. I worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey in Piscataway for 10 years as a music therapist. I stopped when I had my daughter -- she was premature and I wanted to take care of her. While home, I worked a bit teaching piano but mostly I was with her because I felt early intervention was important. Now I work in my own music therapy practice and it's growing."

What was your most important deal?

"Every client is my most important deal. I want to fulfill a need in our community. Advertising has been the most important thing I have done to reach people. I also have a Web site. I do presentations. Once people see the results, they come back."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

 "I would like to expand to include more services. I would really love to open up a center for creative arts therapy in Westfield. Besides music, the center would include movement, art, and dance. I would like to open a center in Westfield. That is my dream but I don't think it's too far fetched."

What's the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"I've learned to believe in the statement 'build it and they will come'. I learned it's true because it's happened to me. I didn't know it would be OK to start this practice, but I opened and it's turned out OK. There is a need for music therapy and it's important for me to do this. It's fulfilling, in the sense that the clients are doing the work. To be a witness to that is so exciting. It's so enriching. I'm getting to see this person grow and that is really amazing."

What advice would you give to someone considering doing this work?

"If you have a love and a passion for doing this kind of work -- music therapy -- definitely do it.

"I started as a music major in college, majoring in composition. In college I found out about music therapy. I didn't know about it before. I have two degrees in music therapy. I know a lot of people who would love to do this and I would tell them if you do, to do it. We need people."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. This is really wonderful!"