When I was a young girl, my grandmother would take my sister and me to visit the Old Baptist Home in Philadelphia. There she paraded us from room to room singing hymns for the residents. We were always received warmly and offered root beer barrel candies or some other sweets. At the time, we couldn't grasp the full impact of our visits or the power of music to make connections, inspire, soothe, and comfort. Only decades later did I realize the influence that my grandmother had on me personally and professionally. Her compassion and hospitality are traits I still aspire to emulate.
My music training began early in life with piano lessons and continued with violin lessons. After years of participation in school choirs, band, and orchestras, music therapy seemed the perfect blend of my abilities in music and my desire to help others. I graduated from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music in 1984 with a bachelors degree in Music Therapy and spent the next 13 years working in psychiatric settings. An exciting opportunity came along to work with senior in assisted-living. For the past ten years I have had the pleasure of practicing in a skilled nursing home.
My desire is to enhance the quality of life for the people I encounter by providing enjoyable, interactive, and participatory musical programs. For me, it's not just another gig, but a chance to bring the joy of music to the greatest generation.
~ Laurie Pfeiffer, Board Certified Music Therapist