Danielle Alamilla

I'm a student at Seneca College in the Bachelor of Child Development program, hoping to go into music therapy once I graduate. Music is transcendent; rather than something that is only made as a luxury or a hobby, I believe it is a universal form of expression. Music can bring a sense of communication to those who have no other outlet, and evoke emotion in unexpected ways.

Although my postgraduate goals are a relatively recent decision, a passion for music has been with me my whole life. I play guitar and piano mainly, but have experience playing other instruments, from harmonica to tuba. I am always interested in experimenting with new sounds and feel I would have an advantage in the field due to my background in child development. I have experience working with young children up to six years old in a variety of settings. I am trained in CPR and first aid and have experience with a variety of screening and evaluation tools, such as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS).

I am a driven student who knows that my learning never stops, regardless of how far I am from a classroom. I am attentive, and make absolutely sure that those I work with in the field feel comfortable around me, not by employing copy-and-paste techniques that I feel should apply to everyone, but by paying attention to individual needs and adjusting my actions and demeanor accordingly. Combined with my musical investment and skills, I would be an asset to the field.

Music therapy is a fascinating profession; to learn more about it, check out the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and Music Heals.