The Snohomish County Music Project: Healing Community through Music
I remember my first concert - I was 16 and saw Blink-182 with some friends at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC where I grew up. We sang along until we were hoarse and didn’t care that we would be tired at school the next day. The whole experience, like most people’s first concert, is something that has stayed with me over the years as one of my fondest teenage memories.
The real revelation from that night though, and one that I’ve continuously been reminded of whenever I see any live music, is just how powerful music is. How music can empower, and connect, and even heal all of us who open our ears and hearts to the collaboration of instruments and lyrics in harmony.
Recognizing the power music has, the Snohomish County Music Project was created in 1982. This organization uses a trauma-informed approach to engage with a wide variety of individuals and groups in our local area. In fact, the Music Project emphasizes supporting underserved populations, including: Indigenous communities, individuals living with disabilities and/or neurodivergency, veterans, youth within the foster care and juvenile detention systems, LGBTQ+ youth, and many more.
The Music Project is able to support so many community members, especially those individuals who are part of marginalized communities, by providing a wide variety of consultations and music therapy programs. These include:
Individual Support: individualized and age-appropriate therapy sessions for seniors, adults, teens, youth, and children.
Autism support: for autistic children and their families, where children can express themselves using strengths- and child-centered approaches.
Casino Road Community Music Program: free group music classes for children in the 3rd grade or older, where youth can explore musical expression and build friendships.
Rock Band: a 10-week program where teens learn leadership skills and build awareness.
Teen Community Music Group: a free music therapy program where teens learn self-care and discover themselves in a creative and safe environment.
Community Veteran Jam: a space where seniors, veterans, and individuals living with disabilities create music together.
Support groups for PTSD, first responders, and neurodivergent adults: all support groups are free and committed to equity and healing in a non-judgemental space.
Memory Cafe: A safe environment for seniors living with dementia, their loved ones and caregivers to gather together and share each other’s company.
Family support: groups where music is used to help families communicate and achieve shared goals.
By modeling values such as collaboration and sustainability within the community, the Music Project helps to affirm the people they work with as creative, autonomous, and valuable members of our community. People, having the opportunity to create and gain confidence through music therapy, are better able to accomplish goals and achieve more resilient mental health wellness. This supports healthier and more connected neighborhoods and communities.
While there are no openings currently, you can always keep an eye out for job opportunities, and can apply for a paid internship with the organization as a Music Therapist, Program Administrator, or Social Media Marketer with the Music Project. You can also volunteer, listen to their podcast, and/or read their blog to stay connected!
The Music Project has several local partners and is always accepting sponsorships and donations from community members (thank you for your support!).
Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.
