We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donnie Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donnie below.

Donnie, appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I facilitated music therapy groups at a behavioral school for middle and high school students during the 22-23 school year. The music therapy groups were made possible by grant funding awarded to Solutions Of Change to address trauma in our youth. I facilitated groups twice per week. Each of my students had their own story, which involved some form of trauma. One of my high school students was a sophomore with aspirations of playing professional football one day. Unfortunately, he lost his father to violence a few years ago. His trauma response was fighting, and ended up in a number of physical altercations with peers. One of these fights resulted in criminal charges, a probation officer and attending the behavioral school. The environment in this particular school was not prime for learning, and actually provided more opportunity for trouble. As this young man attended the music therapy groups, he began to open up and talk about his experiences, his trauma, and processed through his emotion differently. Experiencing music therapy provided an opportunity for catharsis and choosing healthier responses to triggers. This student’s probation officer, school counselor and mother all reported seeing significant changes in his demeanor. This student also became a leader within the music therapy setting, encouraging his peers to stay out of trouble in order to attend music therapy, and also to take their mental and emotional health seriously. This young man was able to discharge from the behavioral school and will attend the high school in his zone for the 23-24 school year.

Donnie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a licensed and board certified music therapist in the state of Nevada. I am a musician, student, teacher and have served as a counselor in many settings. I bring the wealth of my life experiences to music therapy to affect change amongst the overlooked populations. I received my music therapy master’s equivalency at West Virginia University. In efforts to begin effecting change in more populations, I began my private practice, Heart Strings Music Therapy PLLC, in 2021. My music therapy practice is unique, as I am a practitioner of the Music Medicine Protocol. I apply the Music Medicine Protocol, an accredited approach focusing on mood regulation and emotional fluidity, in both music therapy and performance settings. My studies and experiences within the field of music therapy have taken me across the world, as far as Thailand, exploring the use of music therapy within diverse populations and cultures, including military bases, penitentiaries, mental health facilities, orphanages, schools and hospice settings. My primary focus and application of music therapy is mental health and recovery. I am most proud of my ability to consistently create safe spaces and facilitate meaningful exchange for the clients I serve. My desire is to expand the application of music as medicine to bring healing and a sense of wholeness to people from all walks of life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In my journey, I’ve had to reevaluate a common belief: the notion that simply taking care of others automatically ensures they will reciprocate. I’ve evolved my perspective to appreciate that when we foster an environment where care and positive interactions thrive, I too, reap the benefits of that nurturing atmosphere.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership offers a fascinating perspective on establishing a high-performing team that is able to achieve objectives while also nurturing the individuals who constitute that team. Through the emphasis on self-awareness, personal development, and impactful leadership, they provide valuable insight for fostering a balanced and successful group/team dynamic.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @HeartStringsMusicTherapy