“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”
— Mortimer Adler
My cello journey began in 4th grade. I was introduced to stringed instruments at my public school. I instantly fell in love with the sound of the cello. That moment started me on the road that has brought me to where I am today with the cello.
I experienced an untraditional education in music, which I documented in the article “Suzuki Summit: One Step at a Time” (Suzuki Association of the America’s Journal, fall 2015). I started skiing as a young girl and became a professional ski instructor. The teaching and enjoyment of analyzing body positioning and movement on the mountain lead me into becoming a teacher. (PSIA Level 3) I attended Syracuse University and graduated with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation. “The purpose of the Recreation Therapy process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life.” according to NCTRC of which I was a member. As I worked as a recreation therapist for 15 years. During that time I played my cello for patients at the various healthcare facilities that I worked. It’s now that I realize I have been working with sound healing and teaching for a long time.
Career Shift to Cello
My cello was always calling me, and I answered the call in 2005, a few short years after I lost my mother to cancer. This is when I decided that I would intensely pursue learning to teach and play cello as my career.
I have attended Suzuki trainings and studied with private teachers including Eugene Friesen, Pamela Devenport, Ann Alton, Sally Gross, and Elizabeth Byrd and then started a wedding business with a colleague that lasted 13 years, (Spa City Duo) and performed live in front of audiences.
How I Discovered Sound Therapy
I visited Costa Rica in 2019 and experienced a life-changing week. I played my cello for yoga classes and for the residents of a small local village. It was there that I first felt the real energy of the vibrations of the cello and its healing powers. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I played for residents of Costa Rica and my yoga friends on retreat. I discovered myself that day and realized that I had to use my cello experience to help heal other people.
Pandemic Creates Change
The pandemic of 2020 brought new opportunities for growth and change. While the wedding business ended, online learning began. I connected with Saratoga Performing Arts Center and produced two instructional videos for its new SPAC Learning Library.
The playing and teaching experiences have brought me to where I am today — pursuing an adventure in Therapeutic Cello Sound Healing. I have been studying the Donna Eden energy medicine for balancing the body, Chinese Medicine for maximum immunity, completed my level 2 in Reiki healing from the Reiki Alliance , working with energy medicine therapist( Abanakee Wellness Center) for individual healing sessions, making mediation videos, and providing music for yoga classes.
Enjoy a sample of my original work:
Hello Demetria, It was a pleasure to work with you last month in Lake Placid for Lexi and Aaron’s wedding at the US Ski Jumps. Your music is beautiful! I wish you every success with your new adventure in your newly created studio! Photos from Lexi and Aaron’s wedding can be found on my website, http://www.kathleenkeckphotography.com, go to weddings, go to 2020 Lexi and Aaron, I will send you the password. Hope to work with you again in the future! Respectfully, Kathleen Keck, owner and principal photographer.