2022

Hello –

Autumn is upon us, and as the seasons change, and we are coming to the end of the year, we can start to reflect on all that has happened so far.

2022 has been a year full of change for NMTS. Last October, we were bursting at the seams in the McKinley Arts Center – not having enough room for our staff or our programs – and a waitlist with nearly 50 people needing services. After several years of searching, we had finally found the perfect space for NMTS, and began the process of purchasing our new home. Coming up on another winter, we hoped it would be the last one where our participants would have to wait outside in the dark and cold for their buses. We were excited about the possibility of creating a dedicated center for music therapy in our area, and of course, being able to make as much noise we wanted.

In February of 2022, we became the proud owners of a bouncing, baby building – at 2590 Orovada Street. Except, instead of a baby, it’s more like…You know those old dogs who need a new home because they’ve lost their owners? Our building is kind of like that. Well worn, well loved, in need of attention – and perfect. Our new home is the perfect fit for our families and our community. It’s centrally located, fully accessible, has plenty of room to wait indoors, and we can make all the music we can drum up. Pun intended.

Now, we’re starting to give our amazing space the attention it deserves by embarking on a multi-phase renovation. First step is the exterior to get ready for winter. The new roof was just finished this week, and there’s a painter outside my window as I’m writing this, literally singing as he works. Kind of fitting if you ask me.

As you can see, a lot has happened in the last year at NMTS. Because we now have the space, we’ve been able to start three more music classes, hire a new music therapist, and have nearly eliminated our wait list. We are beginning to realize our vision of NMTS becoming a regional center for music therapy in Northern Nevada.

And as I reflect on the past year, my hope for the future in our new building is this: That NMTS be a place where people of all walks of life, at any age, with any kind of body, can be proud to come. And that together, we enrich each other’s lives by sharing our commonalties and learning from our differences.

It’ll just take a little bit of paint, and a lot of music!

Happy October,

Dena