NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE ANNOUNCES THE POWER OF THE PLAYLIST PROGRAM WITH AWARD-WINNING MUSIC THERAPIST, JENNIFER BUCHANAN

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR "SEVEN-TRACK" SERIES THAT BRINGS THE POWER OF PURPOSEFUL PLAYLIST-MAKING TO LIFE

(Calgary, AB — October 6, 2022) The National Music Centre (NMC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Power of the Playlist, a new playlist creation drop-in program in collaboration with Jennifer Buchanan, Founder of JB Music Therapy, and supported by Bell. Sign up for the full “seven track” series or drop in every Saturday from October 29 to December 10 at Studio Bell. Each session is included with pay-what-you-can admission to Studio Bell and participants are encouraged to register in advance at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

The announcement of the Power of the Playlist program comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10), a day intended to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Power of the Playlist program is derived from the book Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of the Playlist written by Jennifer Buchanan. In the book, the Certified Music Therapist reveals how to create playlists with purpose to improve mental health, and address our human need to feel, create, and connect.

“Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention, perhaps now more than ever,” said Jennifer Buchanan, President of JB Music Therapy. “In theory, putting together a playlist is incredibly simple—but that does not make it easy. This seven-track series will help you dive deep into all the ways playlists can have an impact on your memory, mood, and motivation—the Wellness, Wellplayed way.”

Program schedule:

• October 29 – Track 1: The Meaning of the Mixtape
• November 5 – Track 2: The Art and Science of Music
• November 12 – Track 3: Set Yourself (and Others) Up for Success
• November 19 – Track 4: Your Personal Soundtrack
• November 26 – Track 5: Power Playlists to Activate Your Memories
• December 3 – Track 6: Power Playlists to Regulate Your Mood
• December 10 – Track 7: Power Playlists to Boost Your Motivation

“After reading Wellness, Wellplayed, I was personally inspired to create a playlist that was unique to me,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of NMC. “It took me on journey to the past that I found therapeutic at a time when I really needed it, and I’m really excited for others to experience the power of creating a purposeful playlist through this new program.”

The Power of the Playlist program, which is generously supported by Bell, will be led over seven in-person sessions at Studio Bell, from October 29 to December 10, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Each in-person, interactive session will cover one of the seven tracks each week. Each person who enrolls in the program will also be encouraged to download the Power of the Playlist workbook, available at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist, which will complement each session and provide a resource for further reflection. Each session is included with pay-what-you-can admission to Studio Bell and participants will need to register in advance as capacity is limited. Please visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to register now.

Music lovers outside of Calgary will be able to access a condensed version of the program online for free at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist.

As part of NMC’s ongoing commitment to initiatives that promote the healing power of music, two weekday music therapy sessions, FunDrum and HealthSong, are also running every Thursday afternoon until November 24 at Studio Bell. Each session costs $15 per person or $10 for NMC Members, seniors, and students. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on. NMC’s Music & Wellness exhibition, which taps into the power of music on mental and physical health, is also open. Those who have yet to see the exhibition are encouraged to check it out during Studio Bell’s regular operating hours, Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission to Studio Bell is currently being offered at a pay-what-you-can rate until the end of 2022. Suggested rate is $15. Any amount, big or small, supports NMC's charitable efforts. Leave an amount that is equal to your experience and help us bring you more programs and offerings that amplify the power of music.

Thanks to Bell for supporting NMC’s Power of the Playlist program. This is a Bell for Better initiative, designed to build and connect communities through music.

About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music and is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.

About JB Music Therapy
JB Music Therapy is a team of certified Music Therapists who collaborate, design, and personalize therapy plans with their clients that will foster desired change: boost mood, decrease stress, improve speech after injury, increase focus, develop learning, reduce anxiety, and recover lost memories. JB Music Therapy is a company that empowers and connects every person to their best self regardless of circumstance. We champion music therapy through excellence in clinical practice and public education, transforming lives one note at a time. For more information, please visit jbmusictherapy.com.

You can learn more about Jennifer Buchanan, the Founder of JB Music Therapy, at jenniferbuchanan.ca.

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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Publicist
National Music Centre
T. 403.543.5123 | C. 403.710.4758
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada