Meet the Team – Music Therapy Intern

We’d like to introduce you to Richard, our Music Therapy student!A graduate student from Wilfrid Laurier University and former Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, Richard shared how music became a meaningful companion to him during childhood after losing his vision.

“I listened to old cassette tapes, sitting by my electronic keyboard and teaching myself songs by ear. I was totally blind at ten, and music became the biggest part of my life – it was my companion. I was deeply moved by all kinds of music, like classical, hymns, and old English songs, and I became very aware of the power of music.”

This lifelong connection to music inspired Richard to pursue music therapy as a second career. He has developed an awareness of how stress, mood, and psychological challenges affect people’s well-being, leading him to look for a more meaningful way to support peoples’ emotional and spiritual needs. The result was a wonderful blend of his medical background, personal experience, and passion for music.

While being mentored by Meghan, our Music Therapist, Richard observed just how important music can be at end-of-life, “I can feel the calmness, the peace, the touching part of a melody. Family members are often beside the resident, and are thankful we take time to be with them.” He describes music therapy in hospice as “deeply meaningful,” remarking that music can create calm, support rest, invite participation, and offer moments of comfort during an emotionally difficult time.

Richard’s internship with us runs to the end of July, and in a relatively short period of time, he’s made a significant impact on our organization. We are so grateful for his contributions and wish him well as he continues his education – thank you, Richard!