We recently connected with Tara Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.

Tara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

One heartwarming story from my career that I often reflect on comes from my weekly group music therapy sessions in a dementia care community. Working consistently with the same residents allows me to build meaningful relationships and observe how music creates positive connections.

One resident in the group was often on the move—coming in and out of sessions, seemingly unaware of his surroundings or the other group members. His movement occasionally caused anxiety for the rest of the group, and some would ask him to leave despite my reassurances that there is no “wrong” way to enjoy music.

One day, I introduced the song “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown. As the music began, this resident walked by with a big smile on his face. I invited him to join the circle and dance with me. To my delight, he enthusiastically joined in. The other residents started cheering him on, celebrating his dance moves. In that moment, he was no longer seen as a disruption but as an integral part of the group’s experience.

Over time, this resident began staying for longer portions of the sessions, and the group warmly welcomed him. What started as a challenging situation transformed into a moment of joy, connection, and acceptance.

This experience reminds me of the power of music therapy to adapt in real-time, foster inclusivity, and build self-esteem. Moments like this highlight how music can create a sense of belonging and transform relationships—even in the most unexpected ways.

Tara, 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 first became interested in music therapy back in high school. I knew I wanted to pursue music in college, but I wasn’t sure what path to take. While researching music-related majors, I came across music therapy—and it immediately resonated with me. The idea of using music to help people felt like the perfect fit.

Essentially, music therapy uses different aspects of music to achieve non-musical goals, both in and outside of sessions. What I love most about music therapy is how individualized it can be—every session is uniquely tailored to the client. During my first year studying music therapy, it became clear that not only was this career a great fit for me, but I also discovered a deep passion for working specifically with older adults.

Today, my private practice, Harmony in Dementia, offers a range of services, including customized music wellness workshops, group and individual music therapy sessions, and music consultation support. I work with older adults, caregivers, professionals, and students, providing services both in person in the Wilmington, NC, area and online via Zoom.

What drives my work is a commitment to building strong relationships, fostering meaningful connections, and catering to each client’s unique needs and interests. I’ve always been passionate about the transformative power of music in the lives of older adults, and I’m dedicated to supporting caregivers and professionals in creating meaningful musical experiences as part of their daily lives. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality, creative, and intentional music experiences—and that belief is at the heart of Harmony in Dementia.

My practice is grounded in:
• Advocating for the importance of music accessibility and education for caregivers and professionals
• Facilitating creative and engaging musical caregiving experiences
• Delivering personalized care and support
• Designing workshops to meet individualized needs and preferences
• Sharing tips, tools, and resources to meaningfully engage people living with dementia

What sets Harmony in Dementia apart is my person-centered care approach. I believe in treating every person with dignity and respect, taking the time to develop personalized care that meets their dynamic needs, and getting to know each client’s interests and preferences. My goal is to foster meaningful relationships, encourage in-the-moment connections, and create a safe, supportive environment. Every service I provide is thoughtfully customized to meet the unique needs and interests of the people I serve.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been about building meaningful relationships in the community. I prioritize attending networking events, scheduling one-on-one conversations to truly understand my customers’ needs as well as their clients’ needs, and adapting my services to fit them best. Music therapy is not a one-size-fits-all profession. Each program is designed based on the unique people we are working with, which means getting to know them on a personal level is essential.

It’s not about quantity but quality. My commitment is to always support, challenge, and inspire creativity while providing a safe space where my clients feel heard, loved, supported, understood, and appreciated. When you cultivate these kinds of relationships within the community, word spreads naturally. This, in turn, connects you with others who are like-minded—people working toward similar goals and building strong support systems.

For example, after collaborating with a local dementia organization, I was introduced to a network of professionals who shared my passion for supporting older adults and their caregivers. These connections not only helped grow my practice but also allowed me to expand the impact of music therapy in the community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have lived in several cities with my private practice, and each move required me to start from scratch and establish myself in a new area. It’s never an easy process, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the local community. Despite reading, researching, and planning, there’s no way to fully anticipate how your services will be received or how supportive the community will be when it comes to investing in your expertise and experience.

My most recent move to Wilmington, North Carolina, was no exception and came with its own set of challenges. As one of the only music therapists in the area, I knew I would need to dedicate significant time to advocacy—educating people about what music therapy is and specifically how it can make an impact in dementia care. At the same time, it was an opportunity to carve out a niche for myself and distinguish my services from others in the community.

However, shortly after our cross-country move, I experienced several medical issues that flared up and forced me to take an extended medical leave for several months. It was a difficult time, both personally and professionally. There were moments when I questioned whether I should change my career completely.

Once I regained my health and began focusing on marketing my services in Wilmington, I was met with a level of community support I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. Wilmington has a unique energy—one that celebrates small business owners and entrepreneurs. There’s a sense of collaboration and camaraderie like we’re all in this together. It’s a special place, and I’m grateful that I chose to continue my private practice here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harmonyindementia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyindementia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyInDementia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmony-in-dementia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyindementia
• Other: You can also find me on bluesky, TikTok, and threads.