March is Music Therapy Awareness Month! We’re pleased to shine a spotlight on Leslie Pite, a certified music therapist who leads one-on-one and group sessions every Monday at Glengarry care home – a role made possible in part through the generosity of Eldercare donors.
Leslie understands firsthand the power of music. “Music has always been there to support me throughout my life,” she says. “To have a profession where I can use music to improve someone’s quality of life and bring joy and comfort is incredibly rewarding.”
She recalls a recent moment at Glengarry following a music therapy session. There were four people in the room, including a mobile hygienist who was trying to scale a resident’s teeth. The resident was nonverbal and clearly struggling.
“I happened to know that she loves the song You Are My Sunshine,” Leslie explains. “So, I turned toward her and started playing it on my guitar. As soon as she heard the music, we made eye contact, and she just started smiling.”
What happened next was remarkable. As Leslie continued playing, the resident relaxed. The hygienist was able to work quickly and comfortably. “I repeated the song four times all the way through,” Leslie says.
Music therapy engages multiple parts of the brain – supporting memory and language, improving motor skills, and enhancing emotional well-being. “Music is familiar,” Leslie explains. “It brings a sense of safety to people.”
It also has a powerful ability to ground individuals in the present moment. Whether she’s working one-on-one or with a group, Leslie intentionally connects sessions to what’s happening now – talking about the weather, seasonal changes, or special days like Valentine’s Day.
Facilitating group sessions, she says, is a delicate and thoughtful balancing act. Participants are selected by skilled recreation therapists who identify residents who may benefit from the social connection and stimulation of group music therapy.
“In group sessions, I’m constantly observing to make sure everyone feels included,” Leslie says. “If someone looks like they’re ready to leave, I’ll play a song I know they enjoy to draw them back in. If someone seems agitated, I slow things down. I watch for cues like toe tapping, humming, or smiles, and I follow them.”
She chooses each song with intention, guiding the rhythm and flow of the group. “It’s a grounding experience,” she says. “When we’re singing together, there’s a real sense of community. That makes me feel incredibly grateful.”
For Leslie, music therapy is more than a career, it’s meaningful, purposeful work. “Thank you to the donors who make this possible,” she says.