Summary: Music Therapy is a highly accessible medium for active, goal-oriented engagement in a fun and empowering way. Music therapy activities led by a board-certified music therapist provide children with opportunities to practice non-music-related skills in all developmental areas, including cognitive, motor, communication and language, social, behavioral, psychosocial, and emotional areas - regardless of musical skill or experience. Research-based music interventions are designed and implemented by music therapists to target individualized goals while simultaneously providing opportunities to practice leadership skills, foster independence, improve relationships, and allowing for freedom of expression in individual and group settings. Music is relatable, in some way, to all people regardless of age or ability and is a part of every culture; therefore, engaging in music therapy through singing, moving, listening, and/or playing instruments is an accessible and adaptable medium through which girls can become empowered. <br><br>My Guest today is Eric Ervast. Eric is a board certified music therapist and he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in music therapy from Florida State University. He completed his internship at University of Kentucky HealthCare and has a background in primarily medical and pediatric music therapy with a variety of additional clinical experience. Prior to joining the Tampa Bay Institute for Music Therapy in May of 2017, he provided music therapy services to patients at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and to individuals and groups in the Tallahassee Community. Eric has a passion for working with infants and children in a variety of settings, and is an active member of the American Music Therapy Association.
