Maria Ward Music Services 2.72

Maria performs regularly as a one woman act for parties and bar gigs playing guitar and singing, She also plays ambient piano music and Irish flute in shows & sessions throughout Co. Kerry.
Venues played include - Nick's Restaurant, Killorglin / Electric Picnic, Laois / Dolans Warehouse, Limerick / Jarvey's Rest, Killarney

Maria teaches private music lessons and group classes for the Kerry ETB Take Note Music Project. Lessons available on - flute / tin whistle / singing / piano / guitar / fiddle.

Maria facilitates individual or group music therapy sessions from the Family Resource Centre in Killorglin and / or different facilities. Previous experiences include - Elmbrook School, Enniskillen / St Francis's Special Needs School / St John of God's Adult Services / Kerry Stroke Support Group / Valentia Community Hospital / North West Hospice

Originally from Sligo, Maria moved to Kerry in 2013 and has worked to build her business promoting music and music in healthcare settings.

Music is something everyone can relate to. When music is described as stimulating all the senses I used to think of times when music caused tingles on the back of my neck, motivated energy within me or relaxed me before bed. The primary reactions caused by the experience of hearing music.

After working as a Music Therapist for seven years I now see a deeper reaction of using music to stimulate the senses. I've learned how the brain is programmed to pick up new information, quickly process it and implement it. A hugely useful ability in our fast paced world where it's essential to learn fast.
This useful trait can sometimes be less useful when we are trying to promote change within ourselves. Sometimes we need to change habits such as behavioral responses to situations or emotions, unhealthy coping mechanisms or thought patterns formed due to incorrect information.

Sometimes we need outside support to help make these positive changes in our lives. Conditions such as Autism, Stroke or Alzheimer's Disease to name a few, can make the effort of changing behaviors more challenging which can also present the need to seek expert help. Music therapy is an option that works to support an individual in challenging negative patterns and develop new skills through experiences with music in a safe space.
Clients can interact with music, supported & facilitated by the therapist in a variety of ways - instrument playing / singing / listening to music / meaningful lyric analysis / painting to music / song writing / improvisation (free music making).
Music therapy is suitable for any age to help in may situations:
- Develop Cognitive Skills
- Improve attention and concentration
- Emotional Trauma
- Emotional Intelligence Development
- Emotional Skills Development
- Improve Fine / Gross Motor Functions
- Bereavement
- Behavioral issues


Maria has completed the following professional training:
MA Music Therapy - University of Limerick
BA Irish Music and Dance Performance - UL
Dip in Community Music & Group Music Teaching - RIAM, Dublin