‘I’ve always noticed the power that music has to lift the spirit,’ says Danna Da Costa
Kristian Partington

“They say it takes a village to raise a child,” writes Danna Da Costa in her thank-you message to the people of Wentworth Heights. “Well, I’d like to say that the Village of Wentworth Heights has helped raise a music therapist.”

Danna has been a regular presence in the village during the past seven months while completing half of the 1,000-hour clinical internship portion of her quest to become an accredited music therapist (AMT).

As her study time at the village winds to a close she reflects on all she’s learned in the process and on the power of music to transform lives.

“I’ve always noticed the power that music has to lift the spirit; to change a mood; to just even change the course of a person’s day,” she says.

She looks back to an independent study she worked on in high school where she focused on music as a tool to help people. At the time, she considered pursuing a music degree before opening a community centre that would offer music lessons for underprivileged children.

Then she came across music therapy and her future path became clear.

“I thought, ‘This is something I am meant to do,’” she recalls.

After high school, she took time off to work, study music theory and train vocally to prepare for a difficult audition with the University of Windsor where she's working towards a degree in Music Therapy.

She hasn’t looked back and counts herself fortunate to have been able to complete part of her clinical internship through Hamilton's Fermenta Music Therapy at Wentworth Heights, where she intends to continue visiting on a regular basis.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” she says. “Everyone has been so welcoming and kind and the feedback has been wonderful.”

The internship has solidified the fact that she is on the right path in life.

What continually leaves her in awe?

“The capacity of music to create peace and relaxation in someone who is completely agitated to the enth degree and seeing that,” she says.

“It’s a very fulfilling job; a fulfilling career.”

Danna says she hopes to pursue a doctorate while doing clinical work and research aimed at defining the best practices and processes that will allow music therapy to have the greatest impact possible.

If you have questions or comments, please contact 800-294-0051, ext. 24, or e-mail kristian(at)axiomnews.ca.