About Laura:
Laura Wilson is a professional musician who lives with her husband and three dogs in Woodland Park, Colorado. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Music Therapy and has played in many different styles of bands throughout the U.S. and Canada. For the last 14 years she has worked mainly with the senior and psychiatric population, doing music groups in the Colorado Springs and Denver area. She also writes a monthly column on music activities for the national publication "Creative Forecasting". She occasionally plays acoustic shows in the Colorado Springs area. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, and working with digital recording.
Additional Info:
Education:
B.A. in Music Therapy from Colorado State University - 1988
Relevant Experience:
Music Activities Contractor For 15 years - working with over 30 facilities in Colorado Springs, and Denver, CO. Primarily with the geriatric population in long-term care, Alzheimer’s, and assisted living facilities. Also has experience with psychiatric, hospice, and adult day care populations.
Creator of Fun and Fit Vol. 1-3 - an exercise CD program for seniors
Professional Musician for 15 years – piano, guitar, and vocals. Has worked with a variety of music groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. Performed with groups as an opening act for Sheryl Crow, Judy Collins, and The Letterman
Creative Forecasting Contributing Writer – monthly article on music activities
Pet Therapy Handler - has trained and worked with registered therapy dogs in geriatric settings for 14 years
Recent Speaking Engagements:
May 2005 - National Association of Activity Professionals Conference - Alexandria, VA
Presentation Topics: Music Activities for Non-Musician Activity Professionals
Aug. 2004 - New Mexico Health Care Association State Conference - Albuquerque, NM
Presentation Topics: Music and Exercise
Music Activities for Non-Musician Activity Professionals
Aug. 2004 - New Mexico Adult Day Care Conference - Glorietta, NM
Presentation Topics: Music Therapy and Pet Therapy
Music and Movement for Seniors
June 2004 - Colorado Activity Professionals Association State Conference - Colorado Springs, CO
Presentation Topics: Music Activities for Non-Musician Activity Professionals
Music and Exercise for Seniors
Miscellaneous Speaking Engagements:
Colorado Activity Professionals Association: Several talks on music therapy for various CAPA chapters
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: Lecture on music therapy for their gerontology class
Colorado Activity Professionals Association State Conference, Frisco, CO: Performer, theme night music presentation
Senior Resource Council: Performer for their senior expo on two occasions
Career Day: Volunteered on three occasions at a local high school for career day, gave a talk on music therapy
Pikes Peak Hospice: Small group lecture on music therapy. Volunteer with their music and pet therapy programs