Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Hawai‘i’s first and only nonprofit music therapy organization, was established in 2002 by board-certified music therapist Keiko Kajiwara to serve diverse local communities that value music as a cultural resource for healing and empowerment. Its mission is to improve well-being and quality of life through music therapy, especially in underserved communities. Services include music therapy for people with disabilities, medical/mental health challenges and those in at-risk circumstances, in collaboration with hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care centers, senior programs, shelters, schools and other community sites. Public education and advocacy services include research, training and charitable events.
Music therapy participants engage in singing, movement and improvisation on a variety of instruments. The purpose of this therapy is creative self-expression and community-building, so no prior musical experience is required. Participants’ diverse musical preferences and cultural traditions are embraced in group music-making, honoring the wealth of knowledge and life experience of Sounding Joy’s older adult participants.
The federal government has recommended music therapy as a mandatory service for senior programs, as it supports active engagement, rehabilitation and palliative care. It is also accessible for those with limited verbal communication.
Because music stimulates and integrates the functioning of different areas of the brain, it can address a variety of therapeutic goals—motor functioning, memory, communication, emotional expression and socialization. Research demonstrates beneficial music therapy outcomes for a wide range of conditions, including autism, dementia, developmental disabilities, movement disorders, chronic pain and trauma. The program has partnered with the Hawai‘i Parkinson Association and others to offer music therapy to Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.
While Sounding Joy works with clients of all ages, the state’s fast-growing population of seniors constitutes the largest age group. But there are less than 12 board-certified music therapists practicing in Hawai‘i. To help make music therapy available to those in need, support Sounding Joy’s Holiday Giving campaign using the donation link below.
SOUNDING JOY MUSIC THERAPY, INC. (nonprofit)
Serving people of Hawai‘i since 2002
1314 South King St., Ste. #963, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-593-2620 | nguerrero@soundingjoymt.org | soundingjoymt.org
Donate: tinyurl.com/Donate-SoundingJoyMusic
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