June 5, 2010; 2PM–4PM

Have you ever wondered why that upbeat song gets you through your workout? How about the slow song that winds you down after a long day? For the answer to these questions and more, attend The Music In YOU: Relaxation & Excitement to learn how music affects our physical bodies. Focusing on relaxation and excitement, this session uses lecture, discussion, and interactive exercises to explore the physical impact of music. Led by music therapist, Noelle Pederson, the audience will use drumming, vocal exercises, and music from around the world to understand this powerful phenomenon. Presented in partnership with San Diego nonprofit, Resounding Joy, this event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

October 16, 2010; 2PM–4PM

How often does music bring you back to a special moment in your life? Maybe it’s the first dance at your wedding, the first concert you attended, or the last time you saw a beloved friend. Music creates an important link to our past - emotionally and mentally. Music therapist, Noelle Pederson explores these concepts in The Music In YOU: Emotions & Memory. This interactive class highlights the relationship between music and our bodies. Participants will use music from other cultures, percussion, and vocal exercises to explore how music affects our emotions and memory. Presented in partnership with San Diego nonprofit, Resounding Joy, this event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

August 7, 2010; 2PM–4PM

Would you like to use music to connect with your young children? Music-based bonding activities are a great way to increase your child’s creativity and open the doors to your own. Your family is invited to The Music in THEM: Bonding & Teaching to learn hands-on musical ways to engage your children. Led by music therapist, Noelle Pederson, families will interact using song, games, movement, and instruments. Children never hesitate to make up their own songs so let’s follow their creative example and encourage music as a universal bond. Presented in partnership with San Diego nonprofit, Resounding Joy, this event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

December 4th, 2010; 2PM – 4PM

Storytelling and folksongs are a great way for children to understand their own culture and the musical traditions around the world. Additionally, with a low level of inhibition, children are willing to create their own traditions through music and song. Your family is invited to The Music in THEM: Cultural & Family Traditions, to participate in bonding activities centered in musical stories, instruments, and games. Led by music therapist, Noelle Peterson, families will learn by example ways in which music can connect children to their past. Presented in partnership with San Diego nonprofit, Resounding Joy, this event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

Resounding Joy—affectionately known as RJoy—is a public-benefit, California non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, dedicated to providing a supportive and healing music environment to adults and children who are homebound or have special needs. RJoy accepts referrals from individuals and from faith-based and community-based organizations who want to offer recreational music-making programs to older adult individuals and groups. Resounding Joy trains volunteer Joy Givers to bring words of hope and encouragement and appreciation for the joy and consolation brought by music.

Noelle Pederson, BA, MT–BC
Director of Education and Training

This passionate, young professional is beginning her career with a thirst for knowledge and a unique, flexible, multi-modal approach, applicable to clients of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Noelle is a board-certified music therapist and received her baccalaureate degree from the University of North Dakota. She joined the Resounding Joy staff in the spring of 2008 as the Director of Education and Training. Noelle heads the Joy Giver and Junior Joy Giver Programs, is a primary Sound Minds program facilitator, leads music therapy sessions for women transitioning from homelessness at the YWCA, and oversees many Resounding Joy community music-making events throughout San Diego County. In October 2008, Noelle represented Resounding Joy in its first International Outreach Project: Helping Hearts with Music in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Noelle is a skilled lecturer and presents Resounding Joy's programs to groups throughout California. Noelle eagerly seeks every opportunity to work with populations not yet being reached by the power of music and music therapy.