“Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.” - American Music Therapy Association
Through music therapy, individuals are able to heal and express themselves in ways they may not have been able to before. Certain skills - like communication, movement, and other physical capabilities - are strengthened, they receive emotional support, and they’re provided with a new creative channel to express themselves and how they’re feeling. Music therapy focuses heavily on both the physical and mental health of the individual.
Music therapy is alive.
Music therapy changes lives every day, all around the country.
The documentary Bring The Joy raises national awareness for music therapy by taking the viewer on personal journeys through music therapy. Bring The Joy demonstrates how music therapy benefits children with life-threatening illnesses and how it can change their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
This documentary is possible thanks to Sam’s Fans, a non-profit whose mission is to bring attention to and fund music and art therapy for every children’s hospital in the United States. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Sam’s Fans and its founder Nikki McCarthy are dedicated to serve children with chronic illnesses and their families.
The documentary, which is currently in production, is targeted for release in 2021. We're preparing for the following film festival season, and then aiming for national and international distribution. We are in the process of raising the funds necessary to bring our vision to life. The stories it tells are but a small taste of the power of music therapy.
Bring The Joy showcases the undeniable and inspiring impact that music therapy can bring to children everywhere.
If you'd like to be part of this journey, you can donate here and learn about the perks we offer!
WHAT IS BRING THE JOY ?
WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
OUR FOUR THEMES
Bring The Joy is about educating the viewer on the impact of music therapy through real life stories.
From the universities that teach it, the music therapists that administer it, and the children and families who receive it.
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The Universities: What does the curriculum look like?
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Licensed Music Therapists: What does it take to become one?
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Client and Family Stories: The impact it has on clients and their loved ones
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Research: What's the science behind it?
SAM'S FANS ON THE TODAY SHOW
Discover the story behind Sam's Fans directly from its founder, Nikki McCarthy, in this interview from The Today Show.
