The Sound of Music - Australia, 5 September 2007

I just wanted to share a positive Foundation experience all which I had recently at: Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia (http://www.nordoff-robbins.com.au/)

I am volunteering some time as a Customer Success Manager (CSM) to this organisation to help them get Salesforce.com applications up and running, as we donated the application to them a few months ago, and they have yet to customize it for their needs. My first CSM session with them began on-site yesterday at the Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre which is at the University of Western Sydney, Kingswood. (This is about 1.5 hours' drive from Sydney.)

It was a very positive experience for me, because I also got the opportunity to watch "music therapy" in action - where 2 music therapists conducted a "music therapy" group session with children with disabilities (those suffering from Down Syndrome, autism, brain damage and so on) - it is simply amazing what music does to the lives of these children! To see them smile, laugh, sing, interact with each other, play musical instruments and/or simply respond (in some way) to music was simply a sight to behold!

Here is some interesting information on music therapy which I have noted:

For a bit of background into this concept: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/page.php?page_id=718

For a video experience: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/page.php?page_id=974

Music therapy coverage by other US TV channels:

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/page.php?page_id=1027

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/page.php?page_id=975

Some international "ambassadors" who support the cause are performers such as Pete Townshend, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Bono. Some of our Australian "ambassadors" are Jimmy Barnes and Marcia Hines.

I must remember to keep office colleagues posted on any future fund-raising events (currently planned for sometime in early December) where they might need some volunteers to help out! It would be great to involve them in some ways and I would definitely appreciate any help they might be able to offer at that time!

Until then.....keep the music playing!

Nai Ann LeeMe at Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre

Nicci Gow – Fundraising & Events Manager/Salesforce administrator at Nordoff-Robbins