As an author of two award-winning books – ‘Tune In‘ and ‘Wellness Incorporated‘ Jennifer has appeared as a guest on numerous news and current affairs programs including Fox News Health, NBC, CBS, CTV, Global TV, CBC Radio and Television and has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Huffington Post, and Canadian Living.
Based on her book of the same title, ‘Tune In’ will demonstrate that when we experience the right music, in the right way, transformation can and does happen…one simple, yet powerful, note at a time. Described as inspirational, engaging and thought-provoking, Jennifer’s keynotes provide practical strategies, grounded in global research and case studies, that help foster improved mood and motivation within your teams and organization.
Music helps us process life’s significant challenges and inevitable transitions. When words are not enough, let music start the conversation.
Music impacts brain function and human behavior reducing stress, pain and symptoms of depression as well as improving mood, memory and motivation. Jennifer has witness the power of these music connections with infants through to seniors, from the corporate boardroom to the palliative care unit, from the classroom to correction centre, and for people struggling with their mental health to those living with dementia. The results are nothing short of inspiring.
The current respiratory and healthcare pandemic is leading to a Mental Health Pandemic. It is directly impacting Long-Term Care Facilities, Healthcare Workers, and Communities across Canada.
Jennifer Buchanan is a Canadian music therapist and the author of “Tune In: A Music Therapy Approach to Life.” Her patients range from a two-month-old with visual impairments to a 106-year-old with Alzheimer’s disease. Since listening to music can activate many parts of the brain, it can serve many different functions, she said. For psychological rehabilitation, for example, Buchanan believes that “intentional music listening” is key.
JB discusses music, music therapy and the importance of mental health. January 18th is considered by some to be a “blue day,” or the saddest day of the year. This year, with COVID, the day may be feeling heavier than even the most typical ‘blue day’
A partnership between The Awesome Music Project and the Canadian Music Therapy Fund ‘Songs For A Blue Day’ will share stories and songs about music’s incredible power to heal.
Jennifer continues to champion the profession of music therapy as a past-President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists from 1998 – 2001 and 2013 – 2015 as their current Executive Director. Jennifer is a recipient of the two most prestigious Canadian music therapy lifetime service awards: the Frani Award and the Norma Sharpe Award.
It was an honour to be interviewed by the wonderful Wes Funk prior to his death (February 18, 1969 – October 9, 2015). He published several novels and hosted the weekly television series, Lit Happens on Shaw TV.
Music is one of the most efficient and effective ways to make a positive impact on all areas of your life. All cultures make music, and during times we feel our weakest we seek its power to connect, create and soothe. Music can be a communication bridge, one that can help you express and process your greatest life challenges, stressful transitions, and at times, an unexpected change in health.
Think back to the last song they played at your school dance, that mixtape your school sweetheart made for you, or the song that reminds you of summer. Behind every song is an untold story, and when you pull those powerful songs together, it can be transformational. Now imagine you were no longer able to speak. When words are not enough, music can start the conversation.