Sometimes we lose our voice – our confidence. And most times it’s when we really need it. Having, or losing, self-assurance in ourselves at key moments along our chronic illness journey can make or break our mental and physical wellness. That’s why building self-advocacy is at the heart of our music program.
At Next Step, music is a creative way to get at the mind weight chronic illness can bring. The original songs you write will help you get into conversations about your critical life challenges, be in a safe space to process what you’re going through, hear your thoughts and feelings in a healing way, and learn to trust your own voice. No musical or creative experience is needed to take part.
“Recording my song gave me a sense of possibility – that I am more than this disease and have a future to work for.”
When you are writing your original music-narrative at Next Step, you are in creative control. Music and songwriting opens the door to learning more about yourself, your community, and how to advocate. Expect to:
- Find your voice and build your self-confidence
- Take ownership of your story
- Learn to advocate for yourself, your community and for others
- Possess effective skills to have the conversations that you want and need to have about your medical condition
We know that music helps us find our “I believe in me.” Want to find yours? Get involved today!
Songbook
We believe that everyone has a song in them. Songbook is about finding your voice and your story through music. Working with our music therapist in a virtual setting, you define and determine your story – and put it to your style of music. As you collaborate together, you’ll create a partnership based on trust, being real, and building an advocacy mindset. Fun, laughter and genuine connection too! And you’ll write an incredible song that helps you know the story of you.
Are you a young person, ages 16-29, living with a chronic illness? Click here to join Next Step Songbook.
Music Jams
Have you ever wanted to be in a band? Play the harp, guitar, piano, drums or just about any instrument? Put your poetry to a beat? Dance it off, art it up or belt it out? Basically, we find our creativity during music jams at our Summer Campference program while having fun with a group of peers facing similar life challenges. Our music jams are an opportunity for you to step into your stretch zone, turn the risk on and the worry off, and share a bit of yourself with people who get what you’re going through.
Stay tuned for more information about our 2026 Summer Campference schedule.
QUESTIONS?
Contact us if you have any questions or want to get involved in one of our music programs.
Casey Casey, Next Step Partnership Coordinator & Nursing Director: casey@nextstepnet.org
Kimberly Khare, Director of Song Studio: kimberly@nextstepnet.org
Next Step Office: 617.864.2921
