are grieving. Music provides a space where we can explore and bring compassion to the entire spectrum of human experiences, from pain to joy and everything in between. In this way, music can normalize a variety of grief-related emotions and bring people together to support one another in a shared space, while also honoring individual perceptions. One’s relationship with music may have changed after a loss, and, in this case, new music without previous emotional associations may be a supportive resource.
In this two-hour online program, music therapist Molly Grace Hicks will begin with a music and meditation experience to help participants increase emotional awareness and come into the present moment. Participants will have the opportunity to share if and how their relationship to music has changed since their loss. Molly will introduce and teach several original songs on the topic of grief, some of which contain space for participant collaboration. Participants will share ideas for lyrics to be added to the songs, and Molly will incorporate these in real time. Molly will offer suggestions for how participants may use music as a resource for coping in their daily lives as they continue moving through the grief process. No previous musical experience is required to fully engage in this session!
Molly Grace Hicks is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and a Fellow in Thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement). Based in Philadelphia, PA, Molly is the founder of a private practice, Connected Voice Creative Healing, where she supports people who are experiencing grief and loss, life transitions, and spiritual struggles. Molly earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy from Temple University. Previously, she worked in hospice care for 16 years, as a music therapist and bereavement coordinator. Molly regularly presents at professional conferences, has authored journal articles and chapters in music therapy texts, and co-developed a continuing education course to help music therapists better meet the spiritual needs of the individuals with whom they work.
Molly is also passionate about interfaith leadership and its intersections with grief and justice work. She has been co-leading a monthly interfaith music gathering called Song, Silence & Sanctuary for the past 8 years, and is a board member and presenter for the international organization Interfaith Alignment. Molly sings with the Interfaith Music Project of Philadelphia. Molly loves to write her own songs and poems, and also enjoys creating collage and mixed media artwork. She uses music and other creative arts to form and strengthen connection with herself and others.
Learn more at connected-voice.net.
The event is scheduled in Eastern Time (ET).
