Mending the mind with music
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Music, the universal language, gives people the miraculous power to touch countless individuals—each in a unique and intimate manner. Western Michigan University alumna Julie Guy is doing just that with her business, The Music Therapy Center of California.
Through neurologic-informed music therapy and music lessons, Guy empowers individuals who have been diagnosed with developmental and learning disabilities, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, or physical disabilities to be the best versions of themselves.
Guy, a 2005 graduate of WMU's music therapy program, is co-founder of The Music Therapy Center of California.
A 2005 graduate of WMU's music therapy program, Guy started her venture as a sole proprietor with limited resources. But she knew she could provide greater services to the local community by surrounding herself with a skilled and like-minded team.
On Feb. 6, 2004, she partnered with Angela Neve, and The Music Therapy Center of California was born. The two young entrepreneurs combined their experience and robust understanding of music therapy strategies to create a customized and innovative musical experience that unlocks the potential for growth in each patient. They connect creativity and science to provide therapy that delivers results, which are measured through consistent documentation of each client's progress.
Since its opening, The Music Therapy Center of California has worked with thousands of clients of all ages and abilities, bringing about positive transformations in each one. Services offered include music therapy sessions, school-based programs, adapted lessons, home-based consultation and group sessions as well as experiential and educational services such as workshops, in-services and presentations. The center also provides free music therapy groups, support and resources through its nonprofit community partners, one of which is Banding Together, which Guy co-founded in 2009.
Today, The Music Therapy Center of California is the leading provider of neurological music therapy in the greater San Diego area—an accomplishment that Guy says truly took a village.
"It's important to have a team of trusted advisors and experts to call in times of need," she says.
"Know your strengths and weaknesses in your role as a business owner and seek out assistance from those who have strengths in areas that you do not," she says. "This will enable you to spend more time doing what you do well."
In addition to surrounding herself with skilled collaborators and supporters, Guy believes it is essential for entrepreneurs to find mentors that will help guide them throughout their careers. She says WMU's small class sizes helped her foster such relationships, giving her a supportive environment in which professors and students freely gave and received valuable feedback.
"My professors continue to be supportive mentors who are active nationwide in the music therapy profession," she says.