Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Hughey.
Hi Alison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music has always been a companion in my life. Thanks to family members, I grew up with an eclectic taste in listening (from Gospel to Pink Floyd) and was encouraged to explore my love of music-making at a young age. My older cousin Christina and the music of the Moody Blues inspired me to play flute in the middle school band, and I was hooked from there! I didn’t yet know what I wanted to do with music, but knew I wanted it to be a focus in my life.
A few years after graduating with a degree in music performance from Converse College in 2003, I experienced a back injury. I turned to an old friend to help me cope with the pain: Music. I found myself tapping out rhythms, humming, and singing to distract myself and find hope again. I soon met one of the first students in the newly established Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy program at Converse, and decided to return and complete the program.
Since earning my board certification (MT-BC) in 2010, I’ve continued to perform around upstate South Carolina while working as a music therapist in long-term care, mental health, and community settings. I’ve collaborated on two published research studies on music and wellness for community mental health and long-term care.
In 2018 I founded Carolina Music Therapy, my music therapy private practice based in Spartanburg, SC. In addition to offering clinical music therapy services and adaptive music lessons, I also share resources on music in self-care for mental health at Compose Your Self Care and offer creative wellness workshops.
As Willie Nelson says, “the life I love is making music with my friends.” I’m often on the road to/from client groups, community centers, and retreats to share music experiences. I continue to make music with ensembles (The Sally Rides, Situational Crunchiness, UMC Church of the Covenant Band, and CoCo Flute Ensemble) as well. I love the variety in wearing multiple “music hats!”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I had big ideas for my “2020 vision,” I never imagined that singing would be considered dangerous. It was a challenge to adapt and adjust to virtual services during the height of the COVID pandemic. So much of my music therapy services focus on active music making; unfortunately, synchronous music-making is very difficult when you’re connecting via computer. Those pivots along the way presented some struggles and lots of learning opportunities!
As you know, we’re big fans of Carolina Music Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
As a board-certified music therapist, I use music as a catalyst for positive change in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. Music therapy follows a similar clinical process to allied therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy; an initial assessment is conducted to start the process of establishing non-musical goals which are then addressed via music-based approaches. I enjoy bringing a spirit of playfulness, fun and curiosity into my work while drawing from research and advanced training in neurologic music therapy.
I partner with community programs and organizations to bring individualized music therapy services to their clients and/or residents in 1:1 and group settings. I serve memory care programs, community centers, and nonprofit agencies across the Upstate, SC area, and offer services at the Lawson Academy of Converse University.
I also facilitate non-clinical groups such as HealthRhythms drumming, music + wellness workshops and retreat programs for adults. I love to explore the many ways music makes the world a better place and am passionate about sharing approaches in music for self-care. As an “elder millennial,” it still blows my mind that we have MILLIONS of songs in the palm of our hand these days (via our smartphones). Small practices like intentional music listening can have a great impact on our mental health and mindset!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Throughout my journey in music, I’ve learned to stay curious about possibilities and be a lifelong learner. Staying informed on new research in the areas of neuropsychology, overall health, music cognition and music therapy helps me use best practices in my work. Learning from my clients and community partners plays a huge role in how I can match theoretical learning to specific needs and preferences in practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinamusictherapy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/composeyourselfcare
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolinamusictherapy | https://www.facebook.com/groups/composeyourselfcare
Image Credits
Headshot credit: Crystal Smith Photography
Photo with group of seniors: Kathy Vass
Other photos: Alison Hughey, MT-BC
