Silvana’s story:
Finding healing, growth and hope through High Notes Avante
Silvana first learned about HNA’s programs through a friend and soon realized that it was exactly what she needed. “I was going through an incredibly difficult period in my life. I experienced catastrophic trauma, complicated grief, and dehumanization. Music felt like a safe way to begin healing.” For her, High Notes Avante has become much more than a place to take guitar lessons and participate in group singing. It has become a safe and welcoming space where she can keep moving forward, even while carrying the weight of trauma, grief, and emotional pain..
Silvana with fellow High Notes group singers (third from left)
By Marilyn Borges
Silvana has watched music lessons turn into moments of real progress, where even small victories—like learning a single chord or note—build confidence and break through isolation. “Learning as an adult with trauma is so challenging; it affects your memory and focus,” she explains. She also shared “One of the biggest reasons I continue attending every lesson is the simple but powerful progress that happens each time I meet with Stephanie, my guitar teacher who’s very knowledgeable in music and in trauma therapy. I feel each lesson gives me a sense of accomplishment and keeps me moving forward. Even if I cry during a lesson, I always leave feeling better—lifted to higher notes.”
Over time, she’s seen how High Notes Avante creates a welcoming environment where voices long silenced by pain can finally be heard. “Seeing people from all ages join in group singing, feeling comfortable and supported by teachers like Alison, that’s the real reward,” she says. For Silvana, it’s not just about the music—it’s about rediscovering joy, community, and hope, one lesson at a time.
When asked if there was a moment with High Notes Avante that meant a lot to her she explained “With High Notes, the entire interaction means a lot to me, like from being accepted into the program, meeting my wonderful teacher Stephanie and building a student-teacher rapport and even like a friendship, she feels like a person in my life. And then I had the pleasure of meeting Ingrid, the founder, who’s a lovely woman and very active in the program. Ingrid is not just in the back seat but she’s very involved and it’s a wonderful thing that she’s doing. The world needs this more than anything.”
“Being able to think creatively taps into different parts of your brain and helps to create new positive pathways that are very healing and it helps with the feel good hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, releasing those feel good hormones. Music is very healing and it’s a tool that should be used more. And it’s what the world needs, because it’s a universal language, right? Music connects people in so many different ways,” she shares.
Music has become a source of emotional release and comfort for Silvana. She explains that even when she still feels heavy or sad, High Notes Avante helps lift her voice toward “higher notes.” After each lesson, she feels better, even when the session is emotional or brings tears. That sense of relief and support is a major part of why she continues. The program gives her a chance to express herself, reconnect with her voice, and experience healing in a gentle, encouraging environment.
Silvana also believes deeply in the value of High Notes Avante for others. She described the program as welcoming, safe, and inspirational — a place where people can learn, socialize, and meet others who may understand what they are going through. She sees it as an opportunity that many people may not otherwise have, whether to learn an instrument or participate in singing. For her, that makes HNA’s programming a truly important resource. She believes its impact is immeasurable and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a supportive space to grow.
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High Notes Avante is a charity that brings music and wellness together in a meaningful way, through creativity, connection, and compassionate teaching. Silvana hopes the charity will continue to grow and reach more people, possibly on a global scale, so that more students and supporters can benefit. She believes High Notes Avante deserves greater recognition and funding because it fills an important need in the community.
Silvana’s story is a reminder that High Notes Avante is not just about music lessons. It is about transformation. It is about helping people rebuild confidence, reduce isolation, and discover healthier ways to heal and grow. Silvana’s journey shows that music can be a powerful tool for healing. Through High Notes Avante, she has found encouragement, community, and hope. Her story is proof that with the right support, even difficult beginnings can lead to meaningful progress and a brighter future.