“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver
A Musical Childhood
Ami’s musical career started at 6 years old with piano lessons. They have served her well as a foundation for becoming a musical educator. But even though she had musical training, she was glued to the piece of paper on the stand. She yearned for a greater sense of freedom in her musical life.
A Friend Introduced Her to the Native American Style Flute
Many years later, a friend introduced Ami to the Native American style flute. She didn’t have a lot of time to learn a new instrument but loved the sound of Native American style flute music and decided to do something healing for herself and learn to play this intriguing instrument.
Ami went on to develop herself as a musician through two extensive trainings. She is a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) on the Native American style flute through the Music for Healing and Transition Program (mhtp.org); and a graduate of Music for People’s Musicianship and Leadership Program (musicforpeople.org).
Credentials:
- Author of Discover the Musical Modes on the Native American Style Flute
- Author of Learn To Play The Native American Style Flute: Discover Your Heartsong
- Author of Musician’s Heart Journey
- Author of Musician’s Practice Journal
- Lessonface Teacher of the Year of the Native American Style Flute in 2020 – 2024
- Certified Music Practitioner through the Music For Healing and Transition Program
- Faculty Teacher (Module 3) for Music for Healing and Transition Program
- Graduate of Music for People’s Musicianship and Leadership Program
- Certified Labyrinth Facilitator through Veriditas
- Graduate of Leadership & Musicianship Program (Clint Goss and Vera Shanov)
- HealthRhythms Facilitator
- Member of the World Flute Society and active contributing writer on the Health and Wellness Committee
- Multi-year presenter of NAF workshops at the Eastern Massachusetts Rhythm Festival (Uxbridge, MA)
- Accredited T’ai Chi Chih® Instructor
- Certified Aromatherapist
- Reiki Master Teacher
Ceremonial Musician
How is ceremonial music different from a musical performance?
In a musical performance, the focus is on the musician(s). In a ceremony, the focus is on the ceremony. The musician(s) must be sensitive to the purpose of the event, and to play in such a way as to complement it.
Careful uses of silence, choice of melodic themes, appropriate volume, and other factors are all important. Ami creates a unique and enchanting soundscape that fits the moment and enhances the spirit of the ceremony.
Ceremonies and Events Ami plays for:
- Labyrinth Walks
- Retreats of many styles (art, spiritual, human development, etc.)
- Other Rite of Passage
- Art Gallery Events
- Opening Events
Live Therapeutic Music
What does it mean to be a Therapeutic Musician?
In 2016, Ami became a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) through the Music For Healing and Transition Program and began working at Concord Hospital in Concord, NH as well as about a dozen senior living communities. She has played bedside for the ill and dying in these clinical settings. She has seen again and again, the healing power of music.
