My name is Reed Tanner, and I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to be an intern at Therabeat! Ever since I can remember, I have had a passion for two things, helping others and music. I am originally from Carrollton, GA, and went to the University of West Georgia, majoring in music education until I heard about music therapy. As soon as I started learning about this field, I knew I had to be a music therapist someday. I decided to move to Milledgeville, Ga, and begin working on my degree in Music Therapy at Georgia College & State University. My primary instrument is saxophone, but I also love singing, guitar, and playing the piano. I will be graduating from GCSU in the Fall of 2022!
GCSU allowed me the opportunity to work with a variety of diverse populations. One of my favorite experiences was working in a first-grade class with seven children between the ages of six and eight. I was immediately drawn to kids and loved to see them grow and accomplish their goals. Along with this, I loved sharing my passion for music. I also enjoyed working with the older adult population and seeing how powerful music can be for memory and emotional needs. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was only able to work with children in person for two semesters before I had to start working with children through telehealth. Although this was a great experience, and I learned a great deal about conducting sessions remotely, I knew that working with kids in person was one of my best experiences. I spent the last couple of years working with assisted living and memory care populations, and although I loved working with the older adult population, I knew children were my passion.
I first heard about Therabeat from my friend Amanda Brennen, who was also a music therapy student at GCSU. When she received an internship position at Therabeat, I decided to follow them on Facebook, and immediately was interested. Not only did I see the sweetest kids accomplishing their goals, but also phenomenal music therapists. After seeing a couple of videos, I realized that I wanted to do what they were doing. After talking with Amanda about her internship, I realized that Therabeat not only did music therapy, but co-treated with occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. The various therapies were another reason I knew Therabeat was the internship I wanted and needed. Through learning about different therapies, as well as how music therapy enhances them, I can only get better. I am very excited to start learning from the incredible team at Therabeat and strive to be as knowledgeable and successful in my discipline as they are.
During my first week at Therabeat, I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. From the first day, I was immediately accepted by the entire team. Everyone was so nice, and the music therapists are so knowledgeable and helpful. I knew from the first day that I would learn so much from them. I would have to say the best part about the first week has been the kids! This first week has reminded me that I am still learning how to be who I want to be, and it will not come right away. Along with this, the concept of flexibility was solidified. Most of the time, things do not go as planned, and that is okay. I cannot wait to continue learning and growing as a person, and as a music therapy intern for the next six months at Therabeat!
Until next time!
-Reed Tanner, Music Therapy Intern