Hidden Gems: Meet Carrie Friddell of In Harmony Music

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Friddell, MT-BC, NMT.

Hi Carrie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into music therapy started with a seed of thought planted in my mind by a friend from High School. I didn’t pursue music therapy right after High School but obtained a B.S. in Music from Trevecca University in Nashville. For several years, beginning in college and after graduation, I taught piano lessons for my sole proprietor’s business and enjoyed the experience of watching children and adults learn creative art for leisure and enjoyment.

However, I kept considering going back to school and finally landed back on that seed of thought about music therapy. I furthered my education at Tennessee Technological University and then passed my Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC) in 2005. I began working privately in 2006 contracting with a music therapy group in Southern Kentucky serving several children with developmental delays in the school systems there. After this experience, I began a private practice in Nashville, TN, serving the Middle Tennessee area. From 2012-2020, I held Music Together Parent-Child Family Classes in Hermitage.

In 2017, through the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s, I began a Therapeutic Singing experience for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That same year, I began contracting with Metro Park’s Disabilities Program to bring therapeutic music enrichment to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. I continue to serve these two groups along with seeing individuals for private music therapy with various needs and individual goals such as recovery from stroke and brain injury.

I also see children and adults with developmental and intellectual delays and disabilities. In 2022, I trained as a Neurologic Music Therapist and hold my associate membership with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.

Over time, my work has blossomed and grown into a fruitful practice for the clients I serve.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to building a private practice is never straight or predictable. In the early 2000s Music Therapy was relatively unknown in the Nashville area, though there has been the presence of music therapy practices in mental health facilities since the 1980s. Education is key for people who are just hearing about music therapy for the first time. Harmony Music Therapy of Middle Tennessee engages children and adults through active music-making to enhance and strengthen their positive self-worth.

Music therapy helps individuals facilitate personal growth through an enjoyable and meaningful therapeutic outlet for the very young to the young at heart. I am also a Music Together Within Therapy provider for young children with developmental delays. It is different than music lessons, though music therapy can look like music lessons as a person increases a nonmusic skill such as fine motor skills or cognitive skills.

Letting folks know they do not have to be a musician or have prior musical experience to engage in music therapy is key. Music Therapy is often private pay or grants funded as reimbursement is often a hurdle to access to music therapy health care.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about In Harmony Music of Middle Tennessee?
I am a Nationally Board Certified Music Therapist through cbmt.org. I also hold the distinction as a Neurologic Music Therapist through The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® (https://nmtacademy.co/) and a Music Together within Therapy® Provider (musictogether.org). I offer individual and group music therapy services. Music Therapy is a healthcare profession and is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels within a therapeutic relationship.

My style of music therapy can also include family members learning how to engage with their loved ones musically to bring about bonding and connection. I have worked with children as young as infants to older adults 65 plus. Music therapy addresses communication skills, social skills, physical skills, rehabilitation from injury, and preserving overall physical and mental wellness. Group services include contracts with non-profit organizations and assisted living and memory care homes. I use various music experiences based on individual preferences that each person relates to and to help improve quality of life.

I have worked with people with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual and Developmental Delays, and People living with doctor-diagnosed neurologic conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, and other dementia-related diagnoses. I am a choral conductor, vocalist, and pianist, and also play guitar and ukulele.

Music therapy includes but is not limited to, musical improvisation, music lessons, singing, drumming, and movement to music. I am also a certified Yoga Laughter instructor and bring laughter to many groups incorporating these techniques with music, breathing, laughing, and relaxation to increase feelings of positivity.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts: Aging Starts Now (I’m featured at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-155-what-is-music-therapy/id1470330658?i=1000601033671) Beautiful Writers Podcast, Being Boss, 10x Your Creative Business, Clinical Bobuplations, Call Paul.

Books: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown, The Minimalist Entrepreneur by Shil Lavingia, Company of One by Paul Jarvis, The Handbook of Neurologic Music Therapy -Thaut & Hoemberrg.

Apps: Acuity Scheduling, Voice Tools, Garage Band.

Blog: https://thewanderingrumpus.com/.

Pricing:

• Private Therapy ranges from $55-$120
• Call for contracting rates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inharmonymusicmidtn.com/
• Instagram: @inharmonymusictn
• Facebook: Inharmonymusicmidtn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-friddell-mt-bc-nmt-0b014350/
• Twitter: @inharmonygal
• Youtube: @CarrieFriddell

Image Credits
Donna Michael and Michael Clair Bayer