Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Jenkins, MT-BC, CDP.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start as a music therapist in high school. I knew I wanted to go to college for music but was unsure of my specific major. I began to research music majors and came across music therapy. It sounded like a great fit, using music to help people.
Essentially, we use different aspects of music to achieve non-musical goals both in and outside of sessions. One of the things I love about music therapy is how individualized we can create a session depending on who is sitting in front of us. During my first year, it was clear that not only was it a good fit but I truly had a passion for music therapy and more specifically working with older adults.
After 4 years of coursework, a 6-month internship, and sitting for the board exam I became an MT-BC (music therapist board certified) and was hired as a life enrichment assistant at an assisted living and memory care community in the Washington DC metro area. I eventually became a life enrichment director and was able to incorporate music therapy when my schedule allowed. At this point in my career, I realized I wanted to pursue music therapy full-time. I was fortunate to find a community that really valued music therapy and was hired to create a program. I developed and implemented music therapy services for groups and individuals and worked with folks in assisted living, memory care, and end of life.
I loved this job but was looking for a shorter commute and eventually decided to start my own private practice. I really enjoyed the work I was doing on my own but eventually relocated to Austin. I worked for a local company providing music therapy services for older adults for almost 6 years and co-authored the book “Music, Memory, and Meaning: How to Effectively Use Music to Connect with Aging Loved Ones.”
I have always been passionate about supporting care partners and eldercare professionals and about 6 months ago I realized I wanted to expand my client base to include those individuals. I decided it was time to go back into private practice and that is when I founded Harmony in Dementia.
During the last 15 years, I have had extensive training and knowledge on caring for those living with dementia and/or cognitive decline, have worked closely with care partners on how to share music and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones, and frequently present on the topic of music and older adults.
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?
There have definitely been some bumps along the way. At first, it was extremely difficult to find a full-time music therapy job in the eldercare field, which is why I started as a life enrichment assistant. Even though I was deflated by this, I learned so much from both the community and the residents and it was an invaluable experience. This job helped me explore what was important for me as a professional, which is why I eventually pursued music therapy full-time, both in a community setting and in private practice.
When I first started my private practice, I was completely green and had no experience running a business. I was fortunate to have a support system of friends, family, and colleagues who helped during this transition. It was overwhelming and scary but also exhilarating. I loved the autonomy, being able to create my own schedule, decide who I worked with, define what I stood for, and focus on how best to represent myself in the eldercare field.
Moving to Austin felt like starting over. I was unfamiliar with the area and had one telehealth client from Maryland. It was a drastic change from the thriving private practice I had built. When I accepted the offer to work for a local music therapy practice it provided me with safety and support and over time I really thrived. It was the first time in my career that I worked alongside other music therapists, which helped expand my skill set.
Making the decision to go back into private practice was definitely not easy. I had a lot of reservations at first but ultimately wanted to advance and expand my career in a way I was not able to do in my current position.
During each one of these transitions, I struggled to find my footing, second-guessed if it was a good fit, and was extremely nervous about the outcome. Now as I am able to reflect, these were some of the best choices I could have made because the knowledge and experience I gained along the way have made me the music therapist and business owner I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Harmony in Dementia provides customized music wellness workshops, group and individual music therapy services, and music consultation support to older adults, care partners, and eldercare professionals across the nation.
I strive to build strong relationships, foster meaningful connections, and cater to your unique needs and interests. I have always been passionate about the importance of utilizing music with older adults. I am dedicated to supporting care partners and eldercare professionals on how to engage in meaningful music experiences on a daily basis. I believe in the importance of accessing quality, creative and meaningful music experiences.
Harmony in Dementia was born from this belief and prides itself on:
• Advocating for the importance of music accessibility and education for care partners and eldercare professionals
• Participating in creative musical caregiving experiences
• Delivering personalized care and support
• Designing workshops for individualized needs and preferences
• Sharing tips, tools, and resources to meaningfully engage people living with dementia
What distinguishes Harmony in Dementia is my person-directed care approach. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, developing individualized care to meet the dynamic needs of those I serve, getting to know each person’s interests and preferences, encouraging in the moment connections, building meaningful relationships, and providing a safe and supportive environment for those we serve. All of my services are customized to meet your unique needs and interests.
Services:
Music Wellness Workshops-
I believe that workshops should not be “one size fits all.” I strive to design a workshop that will support your team and/or loved ones. All of my workshops are experience and research based. My main goal is to utilize music to meaningfully engage employees, professionals, care partners, and those living with dementia.
Music Consultation Services-
My consultation services provide individualized support to make the most of your music experiences. Here are some examples of how I can help.
• Assist with music listening programs
• Design efficient music preference documentation
• Create music preference playlists for older adults and their loved ones
• Strategize how best to utilize volunteer musicians
• Develop a music therapy program
Music Therapy Services-
Musical Memories (Group Services):
Music therapy groups for older adults with a multi-sensory approach to maximize participation. All groups utilize singing, moving, listening, and playing activities to support preferences within the group.
Together In Harmony (Individual Services):
Personalized individual music therapy for older adults. These sessions focus on the client’s needs, interests, and music preferences and can be customized in a variety of ways. All sessions will incorporate a multi-sensory approach based on what the individual connects with the most.
All services have the option to be in person or virtual depending on the client’s needs and location.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Since moving to Austin, I have really enjoyed how important music is to this city. I love how eclectic the city’s musical tastes are and it has been a joy to explore new venues and performers.
One of the things I like least is how fast the city is growing and how busy it is becoming. I moved away from the DC metro area to have a more relaxed pace/way of life and it seems like that is changing here in Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harmonyindementia.com
- Instagram: @HarmonyInDementia
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyInDementia
- Youtube: @HarmonyInDementia www.youtube.com/channel/UC72m1-R4alL4CP_uCanc1AQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/harmonyindementia
