Meet Sarah Galvan | Music Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Galvan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am a first generation Latina born and raised in NY. Growing up in a diverse city surrounded by people with so much drive and talent really set the idea of working hard to me at a young age. My parents always worked very hard so the idea of playtime together was non-existent since they were always dropping us off with a caretaker, at school or leaving us at home while they worked. No matter how tough their work week was, weekends were always full of music. It was the time we all felt happy, at ease and would dance and sing together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a music therapist allows me to connect with others without words. It’s the most rewarding profession. My training is a child led “humanistic” approach which allows me to meet the child in the here and now and simply play with them. First we build a relationship within the music and once that is established, the child begins to trust me and the music therapy journey. I learn so much from my kids everyday. They are so patient, kind and hard working. I am currently most proud of my “Music with Sarah!” classes. I began offering outdoor classes during the pandemic to bring families together (especially first time parents) in a nature setting which was quite a change from virtual. It’s an all inclusive class for families of all abilities. Although the class is not music therapy, my training as a therapist allows for the class to be different from all the others offered.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a few places I’d take an out of town friend. A perfect week would be going to Hollywood Beach, driving to Wynwood and grabbing a slice at “Pizza Tropical” and a drink at “Gramps”. Visiting a farm in the Southwest Ranches to hang out with goats (my favorite animal) and ride horses. Checking out some local nursery’s, farmers markets and breweries. My kid would ask for ice cream so we’d visit Jaxson’s in Dania Beach and drive to the T Rex Cafe in Orlando because there’s not a day I don’t get a request to visit there LOL.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother was my biggest fan. Once she discovered that I wanted to be a musician, she purchased me a piano that I still have to this day. I began lessons at 7 years old and loved the idea that I could now sing and play whenever I wanted. When I became older, I discovered music therapy while attending NYU and learned improvisational skills while guiding others through their therapeutic process within the music. When I was in my late 20’s, I met my best friend, Meaghan, who taught me how much fun song writing and creating music with a friend can be. Together we created “The Bows and Ties” which is an acoustic indie folk duo that sings a mix of covers and original material. Meaghan made playing so fun and easy that I became comfortable learning to play the banjo and ukulele in addition to the piano and guitar which I already knew how to play.

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Image Credits
Photos by TeajayPhoto