Hi, everyone! My name is Emilee Eichem, and I am the new music therapy intern here at Rhythm Garden Music, LLC (RGM). I lived in Jasonville, IN for most of my life until going away for college. In 2020, peak of covid, I moved to the busiest city in IN, Indianapolis. I had no idea what I was going to do, what I wanted to be, or how I was going to make it happen. I was accepted into the School of Psychology at IUPUI with a minor in forensics and criminology, with the hopes of becoming a Forensic Psychologist or Spencer Reid as I liked to say. Let’s just say that it ended quick, stomach couldn’t handle the yucky stuff. I talked to my advisor and told them I needed a change. That meeting was when I learned about Music Therapy.
My advisor asked me so many questions, trying to gauge what I liked and what I didn’t. I wanted to stay within the Psychology realm, but I also wanted to branch out. I told them I liked music, that I was in band and choir all through high school. When they said Music Therapy, they defined it as a type of therapy involving some music. I said cool and we embarked on the journey. I spent 5 years at IUPUI, now known as IUI. It wasn’t easy. I had to fight and really push myself to make myself get here, to this point today. Through classes and practicum, I learned a lot about music, therapies, myself, and how they were all tied together. Music Therapy, the use of music to meet non-musical goals and needs.
As soon as the internship started to be a topic in discussion, I already knew where I wanted to be. Rhythm Garden Music, in my hometown, my own backyard, my own community of people who helped shape and mold who I am today. I knew I wanted to be here, so I put all my eggs in one basket. Only applying for an internship here was scary at first, but I knew if this was where I was supposed to be, it would happen. Knowing for the next 6 months, 1200 clinical hours, I will be learning, experiencing, and growing to become the Music Therapist I know I can be.
Besides for music, my life consists of being a wife, a dog-mama, a God-mama, daughter, sister, and most importantly a believer in Christ Jesus. I have been learning to cook and bake, so don’t be surprised if goodies randomly appear for everyone to eat! Let the adventure begin!
Until next time,
Emilee
