Meet Sandy Golias

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Golias, board-certified music therapist and owner of Mountain Music Therapy Services in Colorado Springs.

Hi Sandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After 20+ years of teaching music education in public and private schools, I decided to go back to school (at age 50) and complete my music therapy equivalency. I knew I wanted to be involved in bringing the healing power of music to every population; young and old. After becoming a board-certified music therapist, I worked with all populations from Autism to Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. After being let go from my job as a hospice music therapist due to COVID restrictions, I decided to start my own business, Mountain Music Therapy Services in January of 2021. It was the best decision I ever made. Not only am I able to bring music therapy services to the greater Colorado Springs area, I am able to work with the population I am most passionate about; the Senior Population. Many days find me bringing group music therapy sessions to nursing and assisted living homes as well as Memory Care Units. Music has been shown to decrease depression, isolation, and loneliness in seniors, as well as increasing memory and life review. What better way to bring healing than with the power of music? 

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?
I have definitely hit roadblocks in my journey as a business owner. One of these has been working alone. In my previous jobs, I have been surrounded by a wonderful staff. Many decisions I make are now on my own. Sometimes it is a very lonely profession. 

Another struggle has been to elicit contracts in the area. Much of the success of my business is word of mouth from Activities Directors and Life Enrichment Directors. I offer a free initial session for facilities in the area which makes my schedule crazy busy! However, once the staff and residents witness the incredible power of music with the elderly population, they are sold! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The unique gift I bring to the table is the ability to use something so universal as music and turn it into a tool with goals and objectives. Many times, people believe I am only an entertainer. While it may look that way as I walk in with my guitar and keyboard, I am working on specific goals in my group sessions: 1. Socialization: are the residents interacting with each other? 2. Are residents remembering life events from their young adult life because we sang a specific song? 3. Are residents moving their bodies to the beat? Shaking their shakers? Getting the blood flowing? 4. Are the residents feeling the compassion and encouragement that I bring to each session through listening, eye contact, and smiling? 

Not everyone can lead a music therapy session with a group of seniors, but I consider it a privilege! 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am constantly looking for research that supports music therapy in use with specific populations. I utilize the American Therapy Association MANY times in my clinical work. 

www.musictherapy.org 

Pricing:

• $75 group music therapy session
• $60 individual music therapy session
• $60 telehealth individual music therapy session

Contact Info:

• Email: mountainmusictherapyservices@gmail.com
• Website: www.mountainmusictherapy.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sanmusicMT