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About Chords for Change

Chords for Change is a community-based musical program in Sonoma County. Our primary focus is using music, and Music Therapy to help participants recover from the adverse effects of homelessness, poverty, and domestic abuse. We use a variety of different approaches in our sessions, and are able to tailor sessions to the individual needs of the participants. We work in small groups with anywhere from 4 – 8 participants. Our mission is that each participant be able to attend one class a week. This mission is what guides us in deciding the number of sessions we offer per week. We expect to offer 1 – 3 sessions per week per shelter. The groups are typically only women, however Chords for Change may organize special sessions for women and their children under the age of three. Jamie has worked extensively in early development with mothers and their young children. At this time, Chords for Change is not offering specific sessions for children and young adults. As our volunteer base grows, we hope to be able to provide music therapy for this very important group who is often equally affected by domestic violence as the direct recipient of the abuse. If the shelter does not already provide child care, a volunteer from Chords for Change will provide free on-site child care while the mothers attend class. In some sessions, musicians will be brought in to give live performances. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about how professional musicians approach song writing and/or music playing, and how music has helped them overcome specific hardships in their lives. This will lead to a guided discussion based on the group’s experience and the treat of an intimate performance by the musician. In general, sessions will allow for many avenues of creative expression including singing, song writing, percussion, instrumentation, dance, art, and active listening.

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