Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Bachert.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For my high school psychology class, we could write our research paper on any topic of our choosing. I chose to write about music and the brain. It was through researching that topic that I came across music therapy, a profession that combined my love for music with psychology/science and using music as a tool to help others. It was then that I knew I wanted to pursue music therapy as a career.
I completed my graduate degree in music therapy at the University of Kansas, became a board-certified music therapist, and started my private music therapy practice all within the spring/summer of 2017. I always knew I wanted to work for myself, and for as long I can remember, I wanted to serve the community I grew up in, Lawrence, KS. Thus, Harmonic Connections was born. It began with a logo drawn in pencil on the back of an empty envelope and a business name that highlighted one of my favorite elements of my work, connection – to connect with those in the community, to connect a need to an outcome, how music creates connections in the brain, and how music connects us all.
Over 8 years later, connections are still being made. I have served senior living facilities, school districts, pre-schools, families, individuals, groups of all ages, hospice, mental health facilities, and the list goes on. My work and business continues they way it started, with persistence and tenacity to fulfill a need in my community and a passion to connect with those that need it the most.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Choosing to own a business is not the most straightforward path. I am the sole owner of my private practice. I wear many, many hats and juggle tasks that extend beyond a 9 to 5 work life. A defining moment in my role as a business owner was during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was heart breaking as a music therapist to not know how or when I could see my clients in person, and it was stressful as a business owner figuring out how to adapt and persist with the restrictions and health concerns in place. Versatility, adaptability, and a true love for what I do carried me through this time. As a music therapist, I’ve experienced advocacy is continuous and key to helping others understand the impact and depth of music therapy as a clinical service.
We’ve been impressed with Harmonic Connections, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Harmonic Connections is a private music therapy practice based in Lawrence, KS, providing group and individual music therapy services by a board-certified music therapist. We are a locally owned private practice that serves Lawrence but also reaches less served rural areas surrounding Lawrence, Topeka, Baldwin, Ottawa, etc. Myself and the music therapists that work alongside me in my private practice are versatile in our ability to work with clients of a wide variety of ages and needs, particularly specializing in stroke rehabilitation, dementia, Parkinson’s, hospice, autism, intellectual disabilities, special education, and early childhood development.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can follow Harmonic Connections on Instagram or Facebook for updates and information about services – @harmonic_connectionsmt or www.facebook.com/HarmonicConnections/
Harmonic Connections is a community partner, working alongside local organizations to educate the public about music therapy, it’s clinical benefits, and music therapy resources. You can reach out to Emily via https://www.harmonic-connections.com/contact if interested in having a board-certified music therapist at your next conference or event.
If you are curious about music therapy as service and how it may be able to help you or a loved one, Emily would be happy to connect with you and answer your questions – you can reach Emily via https://www.harmonic-connections.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harmonic-connections.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonic_connectionsmt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicConnections/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bachert-mme-mt-bc-383101a2
