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Written by: Gretchen Benner As this year winds down and PMT prepares for 2025, I am amazed to reflect upon the accomplishments and growth achieved this year. As a new nonprofit organization, themes of perseverance and commitment resonate. Piedmont Music Therapy (PMT) was awarded its first grants this year which assisted to provide programming to new community members, and provide modern equipment for staff, students and volunteers to access technology while maintaining confidentiality. The network developed through York County Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program has been wonderful support with mentorship in my new role as Executive Director. Reflecting on this infographic with metrics on individual music therapy clients, music students and groups provided throughout Mecklenburg and York Counties, causes much amazement. The clinical team has a strong reputation of providing high quality, person centered services while delivering appointments that uphold health and safety standards in the Carolinas.  With 2025 approaching, I look forward to PMT continuing to connect, play and grow with clientele with diverse diagnoses, conditions and backgrounds, yet meaningful connection through the arts. If you are interested in learning more about our work, consider visiting an upcoming Open House that will be available each quarter of 2025. More information and RSVP : https://www.piedmontmusictherapy.com/ 
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By Lizzy Davis, MT Intern  As the holidays approach, gratitude becomes a central theme this time of year. It’s a time to reflect on the people, moments, and experiences that bring joy and meaning. In music therapy, gratitude can take on a powerful role for both the client and the music therapist. Gratitude has been shown to enhance mental health, improve relationships, and foster resilience. When people actively practice gratitude, they experience a shift in focus to what is present and meaningful. While it is important to validate one’s hardships and emotions, integrating gratitude into sessions and into one’s own life can create more coping strategies for those difficult experiences.
Music therapy provides a unique platform for expressing and exploring gratitude. Here are some ways it can be integrated into sessions: 1. Songwriting for Gratitude Clients can write original songs or adapt existing ones to express their appreciation for specific people, events, or experiences. For instance, a client might compose a song dedicated to a supportive family member, weaving in lyrics that reflect their thankfulness. 2. Listening Exercises Therapists can guide clients to create playlists of songs that evoke feelings of gratitude or remind them of meaningful moments. Reflecting on the music’s emotional impact helps deepen their sense of appreciation. 3. Improvisation and Reflection Improvised music-making offers a space for clients to express their emotions in real time. A simple theme, like “What I’m Thankful For Today,” can inspire spontaneous melodies and rhythms, fostering a moment of mindful gratitude. 4. Community-Based Music Therapy Group sessions can highlight gratitude through collaborative activities. Clients might share songs that represent thankfulness or participate in group drumming circles focused on collective appreciation for shared experiences. Gratitude isn’t just for clients. For therapists, maintaining a gratitude practice can reduce burnout and enhance personal well-being. Incorporating gratitude-focused interventions allows therapists to witness and celebrate their clients’ progress, creating a reciprocal cycle of thankfulness. I have found that the sessions that incorporate themes of gratitude tend to lead to building good rapport with clients and also creates more joy and comfortability with self-expression. While this season is a natural time to focus on gratitude, its practice doesn’t need to be confined to the holiday season. Integrating gratitude into music therapy sessions year-round can build stronger therapeutic relationships and support lasting emotional growth. |
PMTProviding music therapy services for early childhood to older adults, music instruction and enrichment plus continuing music therapy education in Greater Charlotte Area of the Carolinas. 
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