“People had a big life before they came to NetCARE and part of my job as a music therapist is to be a detective and discover who they were.”
“I come from a big, musical family – six kids and everybody played an instrument. I started playing piano when I was only five. I was attracted to the music therapy program at Capilano University when I moved out to BC from Ontario.
Music connects us. The way people respond to music is based deeply in their memories of experiences with music. People can access remote memories when hearing songs from their past. I provide music therapy to the day program clients at NetCARE (in Chilliwack) through programs like music relaxation, music reminiscence, and hand bells. People had a big life before they came to our program and part of my job as a music therapist is to be a detective and discover who they were. Music therapy gives people opportunities to bring their skills and life-long knowledge into the musical experience. For people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s or dementia, music can help them to find their voice, even when communication is challenging.
I am a lifelong learner and I’m continuing my music education this year by taking guitar lessons. We have three kids – they are all grown up now. My husband and I live on a small acreage with our dog Bailey, who we love to walk on the trails we’ve built on our property.”
~ Marni Brechin, Music Therapist, NetCARE, Parkholme Place, Chilliwack
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