JB Music Therapy had its beginnings in Surrey, British Columbia where Jennifer Buchanan visited her grandfather at a long-term healthcare facility; most of the time he would be unresponsive during these visits. Prior to his stroke, Grandad was miserable and Jennifer did not feel connected to him, pre- or post-stroke. Granny suggested that Jennifer learn Grandad’s favourite song and play it during an upcoming visit. The following Friday, Jennifer played “The White Cliffs of Dover,” a famous wartime song. Jennifer (and everyone else in the room) was surprised when a female patient, who would typically scream in the halls, entered Grandad’s room and began to sing along. Another male patient, who typically wandered in circles, entered Grandad’s room and sat in a chair for almost an hour of music. Jennifer’s grumpy grandfather cried and Granny arranged for Jennifer to return every week.
Jennifer quickly came to realize the calming and therapeutic affects music can have on individuals. This inspired Jennifer to later apply to the music therapy degree program in North Vancouver. She was interested in learning more how music could be used as a complementary form of therapy and benefit individuals afflicted by sudden disabilities, crippling accidents, autism, or just general age.
Further research offered evidence that music has a powerful effect on one’s mood and behaviour and that it can be used to encourage emotional expression, promote social interaction, and relieve symptoms (pain, depression, slurring). The possibility to be in a career that offered people hope and connection was exactly what Jennifer wanted.
After completing her music therapy training, Jennifer relocated to Calgary, Alberta where she founded JB Music Therapy and began her path of introducing music therapy to this young, vibrant city. The demand seemed to grow immediately (right place, right time, right service) and eventually through word of mouth alone Jennifer was able to grow JB Music Therapy by one full-time therapist a year for 10 years.
0 Comments