Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Edmonds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I think that right now the biggest risk I’ve taken is starting this business. I have always enjoyed the work I’ve done as a music therapist and want to make it more accessible to the community as a resource for mental health. The pandemic really helped shift my perspective about my priorities and going into business for myself will enable me to do work that I’m passionate about, which also includes music education and life coaching. I have slowly been building the plans for this business over the last 2-3 years and finally decided to take the leap of faith on myself and go for it. So far it has been an amazing ride, my community has shown up with their support in so many ways and I am enjoying the work I am getting to do!

Alexis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the owner of Apollo Awakening Academy, where I offer music therapy, life coaching, and music lessons. I am a lifelong musician, started playing my first instrument, the violin, at 5 years old. From there I added guitar and violin, and I’ve basically been singing since I could talk. As I grew up I developed an interest in psychology and got involved in mental health advocacy. When I learned about the field of music therapy, it seemed like the perfect way to combine my love of music with my desire to help people. I earned my Bachelors degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University in 2012 and my Master’s in Music Therapy from Arizona State University in 2016. During grad school I taught lessons part time and fell in love with developing new musicians. I believe that the arts are a fundamental part of the human experience, and a person does not need to be an expert to benefit from creative expression. Whether clients are coming to me to help them learn ways to cope with mental illness or to set and achieve personal goals, all sessions are tailored to each individual to reach their full potential.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would definitely still choose to be a music therapist given the chance to go back. I feel like this field is the perfect combination of two of my passions and it feels good to be able to help people while doing something that brings me so much personal fulfillment.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

As someone in the mental health field, I think that one of the most priceless things a person can have is their empathy. It is so important to remember that each person is the expert of their own story and that we all have difficulties and stress we’re living through. Being a successful therapist, coach, or teacher is all dependent on having empathy for others and being able to meet them where they are to help them reach their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.apolloawakeningacademy.com
• Instagram: @apolloawakeningacademy
• Facebook: facebook.com/apolloawakeningacademy

Image Credits
Marcus Rayford, Holly Shoemaker, Robert Cunningham