Meet Amy Buesing | MT-BC and Private music instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Buesing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, why did you pursue a creative career?
I came across a degree that blended music and medicine – and became a board certified music therapist after moving to Colorado for my required internship in music therapy. From there I worked with a variety of populations and collaborated with therapists from different disciplines. I ultimately focused in end of life care. After working a few years in hospice care I became a mom and needed something that required less driving and time away from my family – that is when I began my music studio where I offer private music lessons, adaptive lessons and music therapy services. I utilized my knowledge in a variety of instruments – guitar, piano, ukulele and voice – to start a neighborhood music studio. I cater to students who want to connect to music in not just a meaningful way but an emotional way. Music should be FUN! Music IS fun. I wanted to make music available to all ages – students just being introduced to music all the way to seasoned students that want to relearn what they ‘lost’ after years passed. This neighborhood music studio – Noteworthy Music – is out of my home, where I embrace the curiosity and creativity of each student. This studio is my outlet to be creative and serve community members of all ages, and I am so grateful I have this opportunity to do so.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It began as a student in a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. I was deciding whether to keep going in to a medical degree or pursue a degree in music. I had my applications ready for both – conservatories and undergrad programs with a focus in biology or health sciences alike. I decided to study abroad and “live a little” before hunkering down. While abroad I traveled to London, UK and visited some friends. We ended up discussing pros and cons to both, but one chimed in and asked, “have you heard of music therapy?” To which I laughed and replied “there’s no such thing”. From there, I was intrigued and decided to dig deeper in to it and found the Nordoff Robbins Music therapy clinic, which started in Worcestershire, England. From there, I found a university in SoCal where I decided to apply. This was the fit, this was the perfect blend of music AND medicine, and it found me – I know it’s corny – but some things in life align and you know it’s what you’re meant to do! I found that in Colorado, because Music Therapy is not regulated by DORA yet, we are not reimbursed like other therapies and require more private funding in order to make a living. This was difficult for me to be driving around rather than working in a single clinic. I was frustrated with the lack of state funding for preventative care therapies and due to this decided driving around and actively practicing music therapy wasn’t for me. I however had this knowledge base of some amazing instruments – guitar, piano, ukulele and voice – as part of my degree we had to take pedagogy classes along with performing juries to become proficient in many instruments and I wanted to share this knowledge with anyone willing. I believe that’s what makes my studio stand out – I am so excited to teach, its invigorating feeding the curiosity of my students and in turn they are excited to be – believe it or not – practicing. Practice makes progress – not perfection! Progress. I go a little further each time with challenging my students and allowing them to select some of their repertoire motivates them. My job isn’t just to teach you music, it’s to connect you AND the music. What’s better than that?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Yikes, this is a tricky question because I am a home-body! However, if my bestie was coming to town, I would definitely hit up Red Rocks because who doesn’t love a pretty hike? I also love anything outdoors and would likely take them to Clear Creek Trail for a walk. I also LOVE pickleball so I’d go to “Chicken and Pickle”, grab some grub there, too! I covet my backyard and would do a lot of hanging out there and grill out if weather allowed. Most nights I’d probably get some games going – FastTrack anyone? Before they’d go, I’d definitely take them to my favorite restaurant – Vital Root – because you can’t miss their matcha chia pudding bars or pad thai.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have the wonderful support of my family who make it possible for me to teach in the evenings! I also want to shout out to my awesome friends who support me in my business in more ways than one!

Website: https://www.amybe.com

Instagram: noteworthymusicstudiodenver

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noteworthy.music.amybe

Image Credits
Kathleen O’Brien