Interview with Ranjani Sukumaran, Healing and Wellness (H&W) Music Therapy

Rhea: What inspired you to pursue music therapy?

Ranjani: My passion for music therapy began after my undergraduate degree with a desire to combine the healthcare field with music and support people from different walks of life through music and healing. Thanks to my professors and advisors from UC Berkeley and my own desire and curiosity to research and explore the field further, I was able to complete an equivalency graduate program in music therapy from 2012-2016. Before my passion for music therapy, my love for music was first sparked at a young age by my grandfather (a musician and music teacher) and family and Indian classical music teacher who introduced me to the world of music and expression and imagination through improvisation and fast ornaments and runs. Additionally, my vocal teacher at UC Berkeley inspired me to pursue a career related to music as she believed in my vocal skills and talent and recommended me to perform at Hertz Hall in a concert and elsewhere.

Rhea: What degrees did you pursue / are required to become a certified music therapist? 

Ranjani: I completed my undergraduate degree in Music and western vocal studies and Operatic training and Indian classical Hindustani training at UC berkeley from 2006-2010. After my degree at UC berkeley I pursued further Hindustani vocal training with an aspiration to perform in more shows and concerts and learn and train further and also improved my sitar skills in Hindustani music as well. Additionally, I studied abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, music courses and western vocal and guitar and piano at Ohlone and DeAnza in between 2010-2012 as prerequisites for my graduate degree in music therapy from 2012-2016. In 2016 I sat for my board exam in music therapy and became MT-BC Board Certified music therapist. From 2016-2024 and I have been practicing as a music therapist and vocal teacher and running my own business, and working with children,seniors, and varying ages in between.graduate degree in music therapy from 2012-2016. In 2016 I sat for my board exam in music therapy and became MT-BC Board Certified music therapist. From 2016-2024 and I have been practicing as a music therapist and vocal teacher and running my own business, and working with children,seniors, and varying ages in between.

Rhea: What populations do you work with?

Ranjani: I work with a variety of populations including children with special needs and autism and ADHD, mental conditions such as depression and anxiety, and memory care senior clients varying in ages with conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. I have experience working with hospice companies, school districts, therapy clinics and senior facilities.

Rhea: What does a typical session look like?

Ranjani: A typical flow for music therapy involves a phone consult, an assessment with a treatment plan and goals, weekly sessions, and progress reports. Within one session,a typical flow involves a hello or greeting song, different songs to target different goals and progress, rapport building exercises, recording for homework and transfer of skills, and goodbye to close and establish a structure and routine within the session. I also provide dance and music and movement and yoga sessions which has a flow of warmups, asanas and stretches, dance movements (if dance is involved), and cooldowns, sometimes closing with 10 min of a cappella music.

Rhea: Why do you believe music therapy is a critical field to improving wellbeing and treating psychiatric conditions?

Ranjani:  I believe all fields have value and a place in improving our mental health and wellbeing. Music therapy happens to be one field and can continue to grow, expand and gain recognition toward being appreciated as a valuable tool for healing mental distress, trauma, pain and more. In my experience as a music therapist for the past 8 years, I have seen the impacts of music on mental health and stability and will continue to advocate for its benefits because of the progress I have noticed in my clients. Positive reviews from clients also indicate the improvements of music to one's health. Additionally, evidence based research advocates for the benefits of music and music therapy in mental health.