WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University will partner with the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph to establish a Music Therapist-in-Residence. The new position will supervise undergraduate and graduate student placements, provide clinical services at Homewood Health, conduct research at the Homewood Research Institute and Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research and teach on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Homewood Health’s national leadership in mental health and addiction services creates an ideal learning opportunity for Laurier students to advance their patients’ wellbeing with music therapy intervention.
“Laurier’s renowned music therapy programs and research institute will provide vital clinical and research services to Homewood Health through this position, at the same time as we increase our teaching capacity in the Faculty of Music,” said Glen Carruthers, dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music. “We are always stronger when we partner with community organizations and this partnership with the Homewood Health Centre is a particularly appropriate fit. We are very pleased to be able to appoint our first Music Therapist-in-Residence at Laurier.”
Laurier established one of Canada’s first and only undergraduate music therapy programs in 1986 and its graduate program in 2002. Music therapy uses music and musical elements to promote, maintain and restore mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.
“We are honored to partner with Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music on this exciting initiative. Having a Music Therapist-in-Residence at Homewood Health allows us to continue our history of turning research into clinical practice while at the same time teaching the next generation of care providers,” said Jagoda Pike, president and CEO of Homewood Health. “For over 130 years, Homewood Health has prided itself on offering innovative therapy programs proven to increase success outcomes for our patients, and we believe strongly that this program will do exactly that.”
The Music Therapist-in-Residence is made possible through a generous donation from Bryce and Nancy (Sauder McLennan) Walker, who have a long-standing relationship with Laurier. Bryce Walker is past-chair of the university’s Board of Governors and recently received the university’s Distinguished Governor Award for his outstanding service to the university as board chair from 2002-2005.
“We strongly believe in the power of music and the role it plays in the wellbeing of others,” said Bryce.
“Since music is an important part of our lives, we believe that this specialized program will help to improve the lives of people in our community,” said Nancy. “Our family is pleased to assist in establishing this position that benefits not only community members but also a learning opportunity for Laurier students.”
The first Music Therapist-in-Residence will be appointed this fall to begin in January 2017 for a three-year term.
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About Homewood Health Centre
Homewood Health Centre is a leader in mental health and addiction services. With over 130 years of experience, the centre achieves outstanding outcomes every day through a national network of over 4,500 employees and clinical experts, and through the Homewood Health Centre—one of Canada’s largest and leading facilities for medical treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. Homewood Health is redefining mental health and addiction services to help Canadians live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives.
About Laurier’s Faculty of Music
Laurier’s renowned Faculty of Music is dedicated to fostering artistic and scholarly development of the highest caliber and to providing a creative environment for student success. Over the past 40 years, the Faculty of Music has positioned itself as one of Canada’s top music schools, home to world-class opera, orchestra and composition programs. The faculty is home to over 450 students across seven program offerings taught by outstanding musicians, composers and music historians who continue to be active in their own careers.