Alumni Q&A: Esther Thane

Esther Thane, a CapU Bachelor of Music Therapy alumna, is a dedicated therapist and the proud owner of ET Music Therapy, a renowned practice that has enriched people’s lives since 1996.

With a passion for addressing diverse developmental needs through personalized music therapy, Esther has made a profound impact on countless students and families.

We sat down with Esther to talk about her wide-ranging career and her thoughts about the practice of music therapy. Her interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

How has music shaped your life? Have you always been inspired by music?

Music is my sustenance, the language through which I express myself. At age 10, my first significant “purchase” with my hard-earned money was an ABBA album, marking the beginning of a lifelong love affair with melodies.

My musical journey included piano and voice lessons, numerous choirs, participation in high school concert and jazz bands, and composing our high school graduation ceremony song. Later, I joined a professional singing group.

Movies, for me, are largely influenced by their music or soundtracks. My all-time favourite is “The Sound of Music.” As a runner, music is a constant inspiration, propelling me forward with every beat. I find it impossible to cover 500 meters without the accompaniment of my favourite tunes.

The certainty that my career would orbit around music was always present, yet the specific “how” remained elusive. Traditional paths – such as teaching the recorder in schools or pursuing a classical performer’s trajectory – failed to strike a chord within me.

Can you share what initially drew you to the field of music therapy, and how your time at Capilano University helped shape your career path? When did you decide to pursue music therapy?

It was during a stroll with my sister while living in Germany. Something just clicked. Despite my lack of knowledge about the field, my gut feeling assured me it was the right path.

Upon discovering that Capilano University was the sole institution in Western Canada offering a music therapy program (the first in Canada since the 70s), I immediately went to Vancouver.

The stunning campus nestled among the trees, the supportive community fostered by expert faculty, and the ideal size and culture of the school all confirmed that I had made the right choice.

Little did I anticipate that my positive experience as a student would lead me to join the faculty at Cap, where I remained for 12 years as an instructor.

Having witnessed the university from student and instructor perspectives, I am more convinced than ever that choosing Capilano University for my music therapy journey was the right decision.

You’ve created the “Meet in The Music” curriculum for music therapy. Could you discuss the inspiration behind it and how it addresses the diverse needs of your clients?

For many years, I operated as a sole proprietor, particularly in the 90s when there were limited music therapists specializing in neurodivergent and diverse-needs children in this region.

Faced with a scarcity of resources, I found myself inventing much of the methodology. The concept of “necessity is the mother of invention” propelled me to compose original songs, design music therapy activities and embrace creativity.

As my practice expanded and I formed a team at ET Music Therapy, it became apparent that consolidating these innovative approaches into a framework, a structured curriculum for training, was the logical next step.

Hosting this program on the UnitusTI cloud has had an additional advantage – music therapists worldwide subscribe to it – extending its impact beyond my local community.

Witnessing my program now reaching and supporting thousands of children globally brings immense joy. In creating Meet in The Music, I hope to have made a meaningful contribution to music therapy.

Your work has significantly impacted children with diverse needs. Can you share a particularly rewarding experience or success story from your practice?

When Henry, a non-verbal seven-year-old with autism, first entered my music therapy studio, he struggled with impulse control and self-regulation. He would gaze aimlessly out the window, disengaged, or anxiously scream and collapse on the floor. Meeting him in the music became crucial.

Deep rhythms proved to be a calming presence. I would join him on the floor, lying beside him, holding a large buffalo drum above our heads. As I beat the drum and sang simple phrases incorporating his name, he would reach out to touch the drum’s skin. The deep vibrational pressure was soothing, capturing his interest and gradually helping him regulate.

Over time, he began vocalizing along with the rhythm, initiating back-and-forth musical conversations. Sometimes, he extended his feet to touch the drum, embracing the vibrations. Smiles and increased vocalization became the norm. I introduced words into our musical interactions.

After several months, Henry achieved a remarkable milestone: he could remain regulated for the entire session, trusting the established routine and our relationship. He even started uttering words during our sessions, spotlighting the transformative power of music for him.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of music therapy, both in terms of practice and its role in health care and community settings?

We are entering an era characterized by a more holistic mindset, with the wellness movement gaining prominence. In healthcare, there is an increasing acknowledgment that the arts play a significant role in our humanity and should be integral to healing and developmental growth.

Reflecting on my journey nearly 30 years ago, it’s remarkable how few people were familiar with music therapy. Now, it’s heartening to frequently hear stories like, “My grandmother benefited from music therapy in her senior’s home,” “There was a music therapist at my brother’s hospice,” or “My friend’s daughter found her voice through music therapy.”

This shift instills great optimism in me as we return to our historical roots, recognizing and incorporating music into our daily lives for the betterment of all. The expanding awareness of music therapy’s impact indicates a positive trajectory towards a more comprehensive and integrated approach to well-being.

What are some words of wisdom or advice you would share with aspiring musicians trying to decide if music therapy is for them?

While the work can be demanding both physically and emotionally, those who are resilient in spirit and body find that the profound impact they make in people’s lives outweighs the challenges many times over.

The joy of witnessing others grow on their personal journeys becomes a rewarding and fulfilling aspect of this career.

If you had one theme song for your life, what would it be?

“Beautiful Day” by U2 holds a special place in my heart. The opening line of the chorus, “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away,” serves as a constant reminder and reinforces my personal mantra of infusing each day with gratitude, particularly for life’s simple joys.

This sentiment has taken on even greater significance in my life, having undergone quadruple bypass open-heart surgery a few years ago. The experience has profoundly shaped my mindset and outlook, emphasizing the importance of appreciating beauty in every moment.