Why I Do What I Do
Link to Powerpoint Presentation
When I began my internship, I was prompted to brainstorm and create my ‘Why’ presentation where I explain why I began this career path. I have been fortunate enough to have a background with music therapy that opened my eyes to the beauty and effectiveness of what I do today.
My ‘Why’ is rooted in the moments of connection I’ve witnessed—moments when music therapy brought light and life to my loved ones in their most vulnerable times.
My family would say that my musical journey began before I could even talk. There are countless stories of my parents or siblings listening to me singing and humming nonsense from the backseat of the car or by myself in my bedroom. According to my parents, little Mia used to sing and dance around any room she entered and make any platform a stage.
I was in every kind of dance class, theatre group, or sports team that I could be in and was always excited to be part of something that involved a performance. After graduating from the Kindermusik program at age 7, I began piano lessons with my Kindermusik teacher, Miss Amy (see photos below)!
Shortly after I started piano, I joined my elementary school band playing clarinet! I only lasted a year on clarinet before switching to the oboe, which I played all the way through college. Throughout grade school and high school, I was part of the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, attended the Midwest Music Camp at KU and had the opportunity to play in beautiful venues around Kansas City.
While being part of the piano, band, orchestra world, I was also heavily involved in the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City from 4th-12th grade! I was fortunate enough to travel across the country performing with Allegro including D.C., Oregon, Nebraska, Oklahoma and New Orleans. During my high school years, I also participated in district and all state band/choir.
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I was also a theatre kid for a brief period of time in high school, before the pandemic hit, canceling all productions and events. Up to this point in my life, it’s pretty apparent-music was at the center of my life. I was blessed with parents that supported me in my musical endeavors and allowed me to participate in every activity possible to me. Continuing with music as I went into college seemed like the obvious and most appropriate choice for me.
I’ve explained my musical WHY, now I will share the core of my WHY.
My grandma Vivian moved in with my family when I was around 3 years old, so growing up, I never knew a life without her in it. She was my biggest cheerleader with the most quiet and calming presence of anyone I have ever known. She always had a twinkle in her eye, was always up for an adventure, especially when it involved something chocolate. She taught me what hard work and determination can do, and just how important it is to be kind to others. When I was a sophomore in high school, my grandma entered in-home hospice care. Through her hospice, she was able to receive weekly music therapy services. Whenever possible, I had the privilege of being part of my grandma’s music therapy sessions. We used to sing songs together, reminisce about her childhood and write songs together in some capacity in every session.
My grandma’s health was declining steadily over the last two years of her life. I had cared for her through the ups and downs of her health, and had never seen any therapy or medication make her as happy or alive as music therapy did. There was always a noticeable difference in my grandma’s state of arousal and alertness after sessions, and I wanted to be a part of it. Her amazing music therapist, a graduate from the University of Kansas, informed me about both the profession and KU’s program. And from there, the rest is history!
While in my sophomore and junior years of college, I lost both of my grandfathers. I was extremely fortunate to have been a part of both of their music therapy journeys before they passed. My maternal grandfather received music therapy in his memory care facilities, and I was fascinated as to how much music triggered his long term memory. He oftentimes couldn’t remember my name, but he always remembered how much he loved Frank Sinatra and his music! My paternal grandfather received in-home music therapy through hospice, similar to my grandmother’s experience. We were able to have my grandmother’s music therapist provide his services along with her intern who was an old classmate of mine at KU! It was truly an honor to sing with both of them being amazing musicians and human beings! Being able to sing for my grandfather in his final days will always hold a special place in my heart.
These people, experiences, and amazing moments of music have guided me to where I am today. I am so thankful for every person that has been a part of my journey however big or small of a role. To every person that has supported little Mia as she sang or performed wherever she went-you are part of my ‘why’.
I do what I love because I love what it can do for others, and what it has done for me. Bringing even a fraction of the comfort and peace that music therapy gave my family is not just my goal-it is my purpose.
- Mia Falcon
