Nicole Craven, MA MT-BC (she/her)
(CEO, Music Therapist)
As a music therapist, music educator, and musician, I have experienced the therapeutic benefits of music most of my life. However, some of the most meaningful, therapeutic moments I have witnessed have occurred with non-musicians. Music and the creative arts are not only for the talented or those who pursue arts-based careers. They are essential to our wellbeing and should be more accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and in all stages of life. This belief and my personal experiences have driven Sing Explore Create and its mission for over a decade!
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music, I taught music in the public schools (grades K-8), as well as in private studios, preschools/daycares, and at community programs. During this time, I fell in love with early childhood music and teaching young families through Music Together, Kindermusik, and my own family music curriculum. I love supporting parents of little ones!
After receiving my masters in Expressive Therapies (music therapy emphasis) and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, I recognized the need for music therapy and supportive creative arts wellness services in my own community (South Shore area of MA). So, working part-time in early intervention, I began building a small music therapy practice. Over a decade later, Sing Explore Create, LLC is now a thriving music therapy company with a growing team of 8+ amazing music therapists, who share the same passion for improving lives through music and the creative arts as I do! I am beyond proud of the work we do and am so excited for what the future holds for our team and the community we serve (which has expanded far beyond the South Shore!).
In both my work as a music educator and music therapist, I have supported people across the lifespan and with many different diagnoses including, but not limited to, Autism, Alzheimer’s and dementia, depression, stroke, anxiety, developmental delays, Down Syndrome, cancer, as well as pre/postpartum women. I have also worked in many settings, including public/private schools, nursing/rehab facilities, early intervention, medical centers, and community-based programs. I have specialized training in perinatal music therapy, as well as providing NICU and pediatric music therapy services.
My primary instrument is voice and I also love to play piano (mostly for my own enjoyment!). As a vocalist, I have performed as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, in local community theater productions, and in several choral ensembles at the collegiate level. While I do not perform as much as I would like to these days, I continue to serve in my role as a cantor, primarily singing at weddings and funerals. I find this to be an extension of my work as a music therapist, allowing me to bring comfort and holding space for the family and friends of the deceased, as they say goodbye to their loved ones and begin the grieving process.
Outside of my work at Sing Explore Create, I love to travel and spend time with friends and family, especially my four amazing children and equally amazing husband!
One of the best parts of my job is connecting with local schools, medical centers, assisted living, and community organizations to create music therapy and creative arts wellness programs that fit the needs of their clients. I am on a mission with the best team of music therapists around to continue expanding our service offerings, so that everyone can experience connecting with others through music and the arts and gain new tools to support their mental health and wellbeing. Please reach out! I would love to connect and learn more about you or your organization!
