Today's Therapist Spotlight showcases one of our newest team members, Briana Sanford. Briana joined Keys for Success in January 2017 after completing her internship at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ. She works with individuals and groups in Cincinnati, Versailles, Greensburg, and Penntown.
Where did you go to school?
Nazareth College of Rochester located in Rochester, NY
Hometown?
Lockport, NY
Primary Instrument?
Voice-Mezzo Soprano
Why did you go in to music therapy?
My high school music teacher introduced me to this field when I asked her about careers when I was a sophomore in high school. After some internet research, I fell in love with the idea of helping others through music. I did a lot of volunteer work and wanted to find a way to combine my two loves of music and helping others. After my first observation in college I fell in love with the field and knew that this is what I was what I wanted to spend my life doing.
Favorite music-related quote?
"Life is like a piano, what you get out of it depends on how you play it."
What is your favorite part of being an MT?
My favorite part about being a music therapist is knowing that I am a part of a process of improving my client's independence and quality of life. I love that I am able to build a relationship with these clients and create music with them every week. 😊
Advice for a high school student interested in this career?
1.) Expose yourself to all kinds of music-this could be listening to music out of your comfort zone, learning an instrument from each family, as well as joining band AND choir!
2.) Practice, Practice, Practice!
3.) Get out in the community and work with all kinds of people! You can learn so much from others. This is how I found out that I love working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Some Favorites!
Favorite Song-"My Wish"-Rascal Flatts and "In a Song"-Hunter Hayes,
Favorite Movie- "Hidden Figures" or "The Help"
Favorite Book- "Les Miserables"-Victor Hugo
Favorite Accessory Percussion Instrument and Why?
The Cabasa-I have found very few clients who do not love the cabasa. It has a unique texture that it stimulating for those clients who need sensory input. It also makes a soft "cha" sound that is comforting to listen to. You can play it anywhere on your body to make sound making it flexible for many different interventions. It's also a nice instrument to have around for a back massage! :)