Hello everyone! I’m Laura Sidwell, one of the new music therapy interns with Therabeat, Inc. I am beyond thrilled to be learning alongside this incredibly talented team of music therapists, and to be a part of the phenomenal experiences created within In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. I am currently in my last step of completing my Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music where I have spent the last four years in Boston, though I grew up right here in the North Atlanta suburbs. I am excited to be back in my hometown following a career path of which I am so passionate, at such an amazing facility. My main instrument is voice, and I also play piano, guitar, ukulele, and percussion. Other than playing music, I enjoy creating arts and crafts, practicing yoga, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
I have always loved music and have been singing in the car for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing piano from a young age, and eventually started singing lessons as I fell into a love for musical theater and performing. My life has always oriented around a love for playing music and it has always kept me going through any up or down. I also have a very compassionate heart, and love being able to help others. I always knew I wanted to work in a field that involves helping people, but another part of me always wanted to keep music in my life. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I discovered the field of music therapy, and it took less than an instant for me to realize that it’s what I’m meant to do. I love being able to share my passion for music in a way that is able to help others in so many therapeutic goal areas, and I am so looking forward to expanding my knowledge and experience over the next six months.
So far my experiences with Therabeat, Inc. have been nothing short of wonderful. Being introduced to so many gifted students and staff members over the first couple weeks has been overwhelmingly exciting! My highlights so far have included helping with last week’s summer camp, meeting so many new people, and observing music therapy sessions as well as other therapies. I feel so lucky to be working in such a well-rounded therapeutic center that includes so many different modes of therapy treatments. I have loved observing the way therapies connect and use their different modalities to work together on achieving a child’s goals from different angles, and I am looking forward to opportunities to observe co-treatment sessions. I can't wait to continue to expand and strengthen my clinical musicianship, and gain more hands-on experience throughout this incredible internship opportunity!