Hi! My name is Rhiannon. Music has been a driving force in my life ever since watching my Mom sight-read piano music and listening to my Dad play guitar by ear, when I was a small child. To me, music is a language accessible in many ways.  I love being able to express and celebrate life through music. While working with me, I'll assist you to unlock your access to the power and peace that music provides.

​

Music Therapist

I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist (CBMT #14699) with a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. I love working with older adults because it’s an honor to share the richness of their personal histories and help them connect with their musical memories. My style is to meet someone where they are  and help them navigate a path in the present moment, through music.

Music therapy is often a great fit for older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline, physical and movement challenges, loss of loved ones, and loss of autonomy with age. Various musical experiences provide a sense of connection, accomplishment, autonomy, and comfort.

Currently, I am working part time at UPMC Magee, supporting adult patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones through Music Therapy services, on the Palliative Care Department's interdisciplinary team.

Over the winter of 2023-2024, I created a well received and effective program at UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, providing Music Therapy for Staff, through a temporary grant given by the Hospital Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, facilitating wellness for health care workers. 

In recent months, my work at UPMC Magee expanded to providing Music Therapy services in a pilot study at the Women's Cancer Center, engaging with Survivors to improve mood and decrease anxiety. 

​

Music Educator

I am a licensed Music Educator in Pennsylvania and have a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I specialize in private lessons. My style is nurturing and encouraging. My goal is to meet people where they are on their musical journey and help them get closer to where they want to be.

I especially love to teach beginning piano and guitar to all ages. I received a unique education growing up, from my mother and her mother, both piano saleswomen and piano teachers. I witnessed and learned from them as they kept the best interest of students at heart, as well as an excitement for encouraging musical growth and curiosity. Time after time, they said they noticed that many people shared that they "wish they stuck with piano lessons and knew how to play" and my mother quipped, "nobody ever says I wish I didn't know how to play the piano." What makes me unique as a piano teacher is that I strive to teach in ways that allow the person to respond to the content in the present moment, and meet them where they are, so that an integrated thoughtful, physical, sustainable and continued practice, with ease, is achievable. 

​

Music Lessons and Music Therapy Sessions

In-person music lessons start with the first lesson as meeting up for a consultation, to see if we are a good fit to work together. Scheduling and payment are discussed during the consultation. Please contact me by email, phone call, or text, to discuss scheduling in-person lessons. Thank you to my current students!!! Due to scheduling, my studio is currently full. Please contact me for availability.

Music therapy sessions for older adults or working professionals, individually or in groups, are available in-person in your home or facility. Please contact me by email, phone call, or text to discuss getting together for a session, scheduling, and rates.

​

Gentle Body Work

I am accepting Ortho-bionomy® clients. As an Associate Member of the Society of Ortho-bionomy International®, I participate in continued study and practice of a gentle, non-invasive body work modality called Ortho-bionomy®. With concept grounded in osteopathy and judo, we work, fully-clothed, with positions of ease, and re-education of the nervous system, noticing the ways the body wants to move. This can also be done as self-care. I love sharing this modality with others. During a session, a client described the work like this: "it helps the flow, flow." I have found that the principles of Ortho-bionomy® are applicable to music, and vice versa. Life is a rhythm, a dance, a song. 

​

Sound Bath Experiences

Everything is vibration. From the matter that makes up or cells, to the frequency of the planet we live on and everything on it, as well as the cosmos. Sound is not only heard by ears, but felt by our bodies. A sound bath is a massage for the mind and body. They can be experienced in person or virtually (headphones recommended). I've had the pleasure of guiding a participants through sound baths with crystal quartz and metal bowls, tuning forks, harp, Koshi chimes, gongs, bells, shakers, and rain sticks. Participants have reported a sense of rejuvenation and clarity. Please contact me by email, phone, or text for more information and scheduling. 

​

"I didn’t know I needed a sound bath experience until I finally tried it with Rhiannon. She did a great job explaining the process and prepping me for a relaxing time before, during, and after. It was a much needed massage for my brain. I had more peace and ease afterwards, and I felt like my stagnant and stuck parts had more energy, vitality, and flow. It was easier to problem solve and stay present all day after my virtual sound bath experience. I’m looking forward to doing it again and integrating it into my health journey moving forward." -Dana K. 

​

"I didn’t realize how badly I needed a sound bath. Before my session my energy was low and I felt restless. I couldn’t focus well and my mind seemed muddled. My 30 minute session with Rhiannon was so rejuvenating. During the session I felt relaxed and peaceful, by the end I was centered and focused. I could tell my energy had shifted and I went from a negative perspective to a positive mood with a clearer mind. After almost a week I am still feeling the benefits of my sound bath. Can’t wait for my next session." -Dawn B. 

​

​

​

​

​​

​