Life and Work with Heidi Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Thomas.

Heidi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a musician (piano, voice, flute) since I was a child. (Both Mom and Gramma were piano teachers, so I didn’t realize anyone had a choice on things like music lessons!) After earning a Music Education degree at the University of Denver, my career included a musical heater in the Denver metro area, teaching K-12 general music in Douglas County schools, accompanying school groups and private students all over the state, and running my own private piano and voice studio.

But it took recovering from trauma for me to realize the true magic of Music; its ability to physically, mentally and emotionally heal.

I went public with my account of rape by celebrity Bill Cosby. I went through all the same public shame and victim-blaming and disbelief that the other 60+ women endured. I met most of those women over the course of several months. And I realized how many lives had been utterly destroyed by what happened to them. Many had turned to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, jail time to support those habits, estranged children and families, homelessness, inability to hold jobs, symptoms of PTSD (which we now know were real, not imagined), etc. Very few of us had gone through the trauma and recovered to the point of being able to live “normal” lives.

I wondered what the secret was; what magic had allowed those few of us to move forward in a positive way. I realized two women were professional singers, a couple were music teachers, one used music in her traditional classroom as a part of her curriculum, etc… and the more I looked, the easier it was to see that MUSIC was the common thread among us.

I started doing research and learning everything I could about music and the brain, music and healing, music and emotions, anything I could to put the pieces together for myself.

HeidiThomasMusic is the culmination of years of musical training combined with experience in the healing art and science of music.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is ANY journey perfectly smooth? No! : D
But the old adage “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” is true.

What I’ve learned is to stop and b-r-e-a-t-h-e when things feel out of control, chaotic, even traumatic. (Sometimes that has to happen AFTER the chaos has calmed down a bit, depending on the situation.)

When it’s possible, find a quiet place. Turn off all outside noise, including music! In as much silence as you can provide for yourself, focus on the fact that this situation IS going to enhance your progress. No question. You’ll get through it, and this particular crisis is going to inform your future decisions and choices for the better.

THEN, turn to music. Not loud, quiet. Give the neuroplastins in your brain a chance to recover. Be present. Many people would call this Meditation. I call it recovery. Have a place you can write down what you’ve learned. Be angry or sad or elated, whatever. Writing it out allows you to mentally process it easier. Listening to quiet music allows your blood pressure to lower while you are processing less-than-pleasant thoughts. The lower blood pressure then leads to clearer thinking, as your body realizes it doesn’t have to be in “flight or fight” mode.

Alright – so let’s talk about your music. What else should we know about you and your career so far?.
I provide interactive presentations and workshops on “How to Tune Up Your Life through Music.” I present to corporations and caregivers, schools and service organizations, and anyone who is interested. I work with children and youth to show them how their music choices can help them through bumpy times in their lives. I volunteer with people just coming out of the prison system, teaching them to make intentional music choices as a tool for their mental and emotional health as they work to re-enter society in a productive and healthy way. And I continue to provide live music for everything from cocktail dinners to final bedside hours. I am now a musician, clinician, and public speaker!

I’m thrilled when people tell me that they’ve never considered music this way before. They’ve always just sort of enjoyed it, but never realized what a life-enhancing (sometimes even life-saving!) tool it can be. When they tell me how excited they are to go re-arrange their playlists or try new ways of starting their day, or any of the other “helpful hints” I’ve shared, I know I’ve made a positive impact on their lives.

I’m probably happiest when I know my own music has changed someone’s day, or evening, or situation for the better. I am constantly fed by the comments from people who tell me how much better they feel – emotionally or mentally, but often physically too – after they’ve just listened to me play piano or flute.

What sets me apart from others is that I do public speaking/workshops/break-out sessions for corporations and large groups, AND I provide live music. Not many people do both.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up, I stuck with music lessons (piano, flute and eventually voice lessons) when I didn’t want to. As a teacher, I advise parents NOT to do that to their children! It can actually backfire and lead them to really resent music!

Having said that, we typically enjoy things we’re good at. I practiced so long, for so many years, I became really good at music. It’s FUN when you get compliments on something you’re good at!

I believe that the most important thing is to try MANY things while you’re growing up, just to discover what you like and what you don’t like. Then, really dig into what you like! Get good at it. That will be hard work for a while. Don’t worry about making a living at it. Just do it because you enjoy it.

And – because this is what I’ve learned about music – listen to as many different kinds of music as you can. Even listen to something you don’t necessarily like because it helps your brain stay flexible for learning. Quiet, calm music as you study or read. Things with a steady beat when you exercise. Angry or sad music when you need to process tough feelings. Happy dance music when you’re ready to party. (Keep the lyrics in mind. Don’t listen to angry words when you’re celebrating! Your brain will get confused!) And even the music of silence to give your brain a rest. Balance it out.

Adults –
– Be “tuned in” (pun intended) to what excites a child or youth.
– Be aware of whether activities and interests are truly something THEY are excited about, or something YOU are excited about or wish you had focused on. This is their life, not yours.
– Don’t pressure youth because they “can’t pay their bills” doing whatever their passion is. That passion is going to be their sanity later on…something they can turn to when they need it.

Pricing:

• Keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops – Pricing is negotiated based on travel needs, location, how much equipment I provide versus is on-site, etc.
• Live piano music – $100/hour, Additional $100 flat rate if I bring keyboard and sound system
• School programs – Grants and support are often available. I negotiate to make it possible for everyone!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HeidiThomasMusic.com
• Phone: 303-877-1140
• Email: Heidi@HeidiThomasMusic.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heidi-Thomas-Music

Image Credit:
Morgan Thomas, Dave Thomas

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