From Town Band Banter Podcast, Season 3, Episode 7I admit it, this was the first episode that brought a heartfelt tear to my eye while editing! The discussion builds throughout the episode with emotionally up-lifting stories (of course, mixed with the usual humorous tangents) about how powerful music experiences can be in building connections for young students through adults using the power of music. Nicole O’Malley founded Hands in Harmony in 2003 as a small private practice that has evolved into a statewide driving force in music therapy care, while also advancing legislation, clinical training, and professional pathways across Rhode Island. Building on that work, she developed the Music Therapy program at the University of Rhode Island, expanding opportunities for education, research, and clinical training and helping shape the future of music therapy in Rhode Island and throughout New England.Her personal story about how she discovered this career path and her incredible drive toward filling gaps in care that can uniquely be filled through music therapy are all inspirational! If you are anything like me, you might need a tissue handy for laughing tears leading up to a genuine emotional moment somewhere near the end of the episode. We are hoping to use this as a springboard to building more connections between music education settings/teachers and the world of music therapy. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome and valued!As always, you can connect with Doc and Dave at info@TownBandBanter.comThe “Hands in Harmony” and Nicole O’Malley’s contact information is:Email: info@hihri.orgWebsite: www.hihri.orgPhone: (401)-783-4810 (hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm EST)

From Town Band Banter Podcast, Season 3, Episode 7I admit it, this was the first episode that brought a heartfelt tear to my eye while editing! The discussion builds throughout the episode with emotionally up-lifting stories (of course, mixed with the usual humorous tangents) about how powerful music experiences can be in building connections for young students through adults using the power of music. Nicole O’Malley founded Hands in Harmony in 2003 as a small private practice that has evolved into a statewide driving force in music therapy care, while also advancing legislation, clinical training, and professional pathways across Rhode Island. Building on that work, she developed the Music Therapy program at the University of Rhode Island, expanding opportunities for education, research, and clinical training and helping shape the future of music therapy in Rhode Island and throughout New England.Her personal story about how she discovered this career path and her incredible drive toward filling gaps in care that can uniquely be filled through music therapy are all inspirational! If you are anything like me, you might need a tissue handy for laughing tears leading up to a genuine emotional moment somewhere near the end of the episode. We are hoping to use this as a springboard to building more connections between music education settings/teachers and the world of music therapy. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome and valued!As always, you can connect with Doc and Dave at info@TownBandBanter.comThe “Hands in Harmony” and Nicole O’Malley’s contact information is:Email: info@hihri.orgWebsite: www.hihri.orgPhone: (401)-783-4810 (hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm EST)

Town Band Banter with Doc and Dave Season 3, Episode 6

Dave and I enjoyed a spirited discussion winding through a wide range of topics with Mark Bedrossian and his assistant Anna Masusock. Of course we discussed Mark’s musical instrument repair skills at the foundation of the business, but so much more! Even though the business model has shifted from a focus on school music programs, much of the conversation revealed the music education (private teachers on staff) and customer service components that drive most of their current success. Community Band members and aspiring young music students all have a place here. For locals that have known Bedrossian Music for all or some of Mark’s 48 years of service, the evolved Bedrossian Music is worth a second look. For those new to Bedrossian Music, there are several unique niches that should be well worth the effort to explore. Thanks to Mark and Anna for the visit and all they contribute to the Rhode Island region’s music community!

Contact Bedrossian Music, 78 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02888. 401-270-5379, https://bedrossianmusic.com

As always, please contact Doc and Dave via: info@TownBandBanter.com Comments are always welcomed and replied to ASAP…