Music Lets ShelterCare Participants Shine

Skylar, a master’s student in music therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, is interning at ShelterCare this summer as part of their certification.

“Music is a universal experience. I think that everyone has some sort of connection to music.”  

Skylar, a master’s student in music therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, is spending their summer interning at ShelterCare and supportive housing as part of their certification. 

This is something new for our ShelterCare program, which has never had a full-time music therapist before. 

ShelterCare provides 24/7 emergency shelter along with health–care and recreational support for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them to get healthier and housed. 

At ShelterCare, Skylar leads different group sessions to accommodate various interests and abilities. At Monday Music Drop-ins, participants can try out instruments such as guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, and percussion. Skylar also ensures there’s music playing through speakers for those who prefer to listen. 

Skylar also holds Music and Meditation sessions on Mondays and incorporates music into Wednesday’s yoga sessions.  

“I try to make it as barrier-free as possible,” Skylar explains. “You don’t have to be a musician to benefit from music therapy. Music is for everyone.” 

Participants often reveal hidden talents when they are given the chance to explore music. 

“It’s interesting to see how individuals will open up to music,” said Skylar. They remember a moment when one participant, who had been modest about his guitar skills, amazed everyone with his talent during a drop-in session, playing “the best guitar playing I’ve ever heard.”  

“For me, music is therapy and music is healing,” said Will, one of the program participants at ShelterCare. “It’s motivational and brings people together. The more we can encourage people to spend time with music, the more good comes into the world.” 

Skylar’s approach to music therapy shows how inclusive and powerful music can be. “It’s a great way to get to know a person and who they are,” Skylar adds.  

Thank you for your support of innovative programs like ShelterCare, where the talents and strengths of individuals experiencing homelessness get a chance to shine!