May 2, 2018 | Blogs and News
A lot of people have an idea of what music therapy is and what it can do for others, but most of those people do not fully understand how or why it can be such a powerful tool for the process of healing for children. One of CMF’s beloved music therapists, Jean-Marc Tardieu, took some time to explain to us why Music Therapy works through his own experiences.
Q: Why did you choose a career in Music Therapy?
A: I originally wanted to do Audio Engineering and Songwriting and realized my first week in college that I could use music to help people at varying levels in the healing or education process. It combined my passion for outreach and people with music so it was a no-brainer after that.
Q: What does Music Therapy mean to you?
A: It’s using the intrinsic healing and transformative powers of music to meet anyone where they are and build them a framework in which they can successfully explore whatever area of the various domains that they need most.
Q: If you could describe Music Therapy in one word, what would it be?
A: Effective.
Q: In your opinion, what part of your job feels the most rewarding?
A: That feeling when you explain something to a client and you can see the light bulbs start to turn on in their own minds because they are beginning to grasp the activity or the exercise and it’s causing them to delve into their own lives with the purpose of gaining new insights.
Q: Do you have any advice for those who are thinking about pursuing a career in Music Therapy?
A: Pace yourself because it’s easy to lose yourself in the rhythm of the work.
Q: Why did you choose to work with The Children’s Music Fund?
A: Because I knew the reputation CMF had for outreach and their willingness to help and I connected with that spirit and the aim of what they were trying to accomplish.
Q: Without providing names, would you please describe your most memorable moment with a patient?
A: I believe it was with a teenage boy who had come in for surgery and was flat in bed; but when I asked him about the things that affected him emotionally concerning life in general, he was able to tell me who he was and how he felt with such eloquence and self awareness. It inspired us to write a song that by the end of the session, made him emotional just by mouthing along the words because he finally had an outlet in his own words to get those feelings out.
Music Therapists like Jean-Marc make us at The Children’s Music Fund remember why we are on this ongoing mission of healing through music. If you would like to take a glance at Jean-Marc’s work to learn more about what he does, please click here and share with everyone you know!