
Amber graduated from Capilano University with her bachelor’s degree in music therapy in 2003. She received professional accreditation from the Canadian Association for Music Therapy a year later. She has been teaching piano for 25 years to people of all ages, and specializes in working with children & youth with developmental delays and associated psychosocial challenges.
As well as typical piano and vocal lessons, Amber offers adaptive music lessons from her home studio in Coquitlam, BC using both online technology and in-person sessions. Amber approaches music therapy from the perspective that everyone has the capacity to express themselves through music, and that when appropriate, learning to play an instrument can strengthen an individual both physically and emotionally. Adaptive lessons focus on the process of the learning experience, as opposed to striving for an end-product. Some examples of session goals can include increasing focus, improving frustration tolerance, increasing positive experiences, and building positive relationships. Amber brings a patient, creative, humourous, and understanding approach to her teaching and therapy.