NOEL ANDERSON, 36 / Music Therapist, Anderson Music Therapy
Noel Anderson’s love of music has transcended her own talents on the guitar, piano and flute. She has been a music therapist for over a decade, working closely alongside speech, occupational and physical therapists, as well as teachers and paraprofessionals. She eventually founded and directs the only full-time music therapy practice in the Valley, serving others throughout Southwest Virginia, though her passion for music therapy has been shared globally, as she has also worked with children in Africa and India. Anderson developed an online program to help busy moms use music at home to boost brain development in an effort to reach families of all abilities, and also helped develop the Music Therapy-Informed Wellness Arts program at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. “Empowering our special needs families and clients to grow, heal and find a community to lean on. … I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling career than this!” she says.
- Earned Master of Music Therapy from Temple University, 2013
- Music Therapist-Board Certified, Certification Number 08514, November 2007
- Licensed Teacher of Music in NJ, March 2010
- Neurologic Music Therapist Certification at Colorado State University, June 2010
- Earned Bachelors of Music with concentration in Music Therapy from Immaculata University, 2007
- Frequent guest speaker and lecturer at area universities and organizations, including; Radford University, Virginia Tech, Hollins University, Virginia Western Community College, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Alzheimer’s Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness , Mental Health America of the Roanoke Valley, DePaul Community Resources
- Created and developed a successful in-school music therapy program
- In 2018 won contract with Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to implement Pre-Employment Transition Services music therapy groups throughout the state of Virginia
- Co-wrote and won $500,000 grant through Malone Family Foundation
- Close alliance with three local nonprofits
- Served as treasurer and secretary of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association
- Conducted and documented research concerning caregivers’ and care providers’ perceptions of music therapy
- Helps to-be moms develop music playlists that support each phase of the birthing process
From the Nomination: “Noel is constantly creating support groups for caregivers, moms, special needs family, the elderly. I think she wakes up daily thinking of a way to help others. Noel fundraises every year to offer several thousands of dollars in therapy to the underserved in the community. She is currently collecting shoes for people who do not have shoes and will receive money for the music therapy scholarship.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Anderson: “I love the small town feel of Roanoke. I always find it incredible how I run in to a few people I know nearly every time I run errands around town. It’s so important to continue to strengthen this sense of community, and I’m so blessed to know so many people who feel the same. I definitely couldn’t have as strong an impact on the community without my incredible staff and the friendship of amazing leaders in the Roanoke Valley.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Anderson: “I have a passion to use music therapy to help people break through barriers that are holding them back from their full potential. Tangibly, this passion is creating local jobs for music therapists … Our clients are overcoming hurdles that previously stopped them from fully communicating and interacting in their world. I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling career than this!”
