25 years. In some ways, that’s not long, but in the span of one’s life, it’s a significant amount of time. That’s how long Kathy Moore has been working as a voice teacher and professional vocalist. For the last 15 years she’s also been a board-certified Music Therapist, belonging to both the American Music Therapy Association and the American Society For the Alexander Technique. If you read “The Gift of Song” you have already heard of Kathy, but if not, she’s the one whose students performed at the recital at the Friend’s Meeting House in Ann Arbor discussed in that blog.

It wasn’t long after the recital that I had the chance to meet with Kathy and discuss Music Therapy. I soon discovered that true to the vibe she projected in the recital, she truly cares for and about those with whom she works. At any point in time, she has 40 students or so, ranging in age from pre-school to retirement. They come to her for any number of reasons. Some come to help heal themselves – perhaps they are dealing with life-changing events (death, divorce, aging), others may be recovering from emotional, physical or substance abuse, and some are dealing with performance anxiety, A.D.D., or even simply speech and singing voice issues. While some of her clients / students (she uses both terms synonymously) are short-term clients (usually those who are highly focused on vocal-only issues), most of them tend to be long-term. As Kathy explained it, these are the ones who come to understand that they are getting more value from the process than merely dealing with voice issues.

Hers is an approach that is grounded in the efficacy of mind-body-emotional-spirit therapy; the tools she employs being music, physical movement, voice, and the dynamics of the relationship between her and her clients. This echoes the philosophy that she espoused in the recital; balance in life, harmony, both musical and emotional, all as a means of attaining joy. Indeed, she uses these to help people address their issues, real or perceived, and in turn, help them grow and even transcend. She walks the walk; she’s genuine, open, and honest, and believes not only in what she does, but more importantly, does what she does to promote healing, harmony, and growth. I find it refreshing to find someone in a society that is otherwise too quick to dismiss, disregard, or marginalize rather than trying to understand and help those in need.

I mentioned that Kathy is also a Vocalist (and a good one at that), and I’ve taken the liberty of providing a sample of her music for you to audition here.

“Fearless – excerpt”

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Moreover, if you are even the slightest bit  interested in singing, or would like to refine your technique, or feel you may benefit from her therapeutic process, I urge you to seek her out. You’ll find she’s extremely approachable, warm, and willing to help you grow (and maybe even help you find more peace and balance in your life).

For more general information, visit www.kathymooremusic.com , and for more about Kathy specifically, visit http://www.kathymooremusic.com/Kathleen_s_Background.html

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Related posts:

1. The Gift of Song