When Sandy’s fingers first touched the piano keys at High Notes Avante, she wasn’t just learning music—she was fighting for herself.
It wasn’t the dream of recitals or applause that brought her here. It was the hush after a long day as a new mother, the quiet ache of post-partum depression, and a longing for something that felt like her own.
“Music has always been a source of support for me to cope with anxiety and relieve stress,” Sandy recalls. But for years, the idea of formal lessons seemed like an impossible luxury—until an unexpected encounter changed everything.
Sandy stumbled across High Notes Avante almost by accident. One night, as she scrolled through social media, an ad for the charity’s music program caught her eye.
“It was during a point in my life when my mental health wasn’t at its best,” she remembers.
“Seeing the ad was a turning point—it finally encouraged me to pursue my passion while taking meaningful steps to improve my mental health.”
For Sandy, this wasn’t just a new hobby. It was a lifeline. She had recently given birth and was wrestling with the silent weight of post-partum depression, struggling to reconnect with herself amid the noise of new motherhood.
Though she sought help from healthcare professionals, Sandy wanted more—she wanted to actively participate in her own healing. “I chose to learn music because it had always been an important part of my life. It became my way to express myself and work through my anxiety and stress.”
At High Notes Avante, Sandy was matched with Julia, a teacher whose empathy and encouragement helped transform every lesson into a safe haven. “Julia is an amazing teacher who has helped me build a strong musical foundation while boosting my confidence in playing music,” Sandy says. “Together, we’ve found a pace and schedule that allows me to balance caring for my family while also carving out time for myself.”
But Julia isn’t just a skilled musician—she brings a holistic, compassionate approach to every lesson, blending deep musical expertise with genuine care for her students’ well-being. Her teaching goes beyond scales and sheet music; she creates an environment where personal growth is just as important as musical progress. This dedication to both the craft and the person is what sets High Notes Avante’s instructors apart. Their lessons are thoughtfully tailored, recognizing that each student arrives with a unique story, set of challenges, and hopes. In Julia’s hands, Sandy not only learned to play the piano, but also found encouragement, acceptance, and the freedom to make mistakes—knowing that each note, right or wrong, was part of a much bigger journey toward healing and self-expression.
What made the difference wasn’t just technique or theory—it was the space to make mistakes, to be vulnerable, and to celebrate even the smallest victories. “Whenever I have my lessons, I am comforted to know that I am in a supportive and judgment-free environment where I can learn, make mistakes, and celebrate personal growth.”
For Sandy, music lessons quickly became much more than an escape. “Playing the piano has been a way to direct my focus and attention to the present moment,” she says. “It’s like a mental reset, where I can escape from the stressors of my life and focus my energy into something creative and calming.”
With each lesson, she felt the difference—not just in her growing musical skills but in her mindset. “When I first started, I struggled with the basics of reading music. Now, I’ve gained more confidence in sight reading. Beyond the technical growth, the lessons have helped me to focus and be more mindful of the present.”
The program didn’t just offer musical instruction; it gave Sandy a new routine and a renewed sense of hope. “Having something positive to look forward to each week has given me a sense of routine and dedicated, carved-out time for myself,” she explains. “Not only has it given me an opportunity to develop new skills, but it also uplifts and motivates me to grow and maintain a positive mindset.”
Sandy knows the power of taking the first step. Her advice for others who may be struggling, or simply searching for a new way to heal: “Don’t be shy and let music take you on a journey. With so many instruments and genres, you might be surprised where you will find your passion and your path to healing.”
Today, Sandy’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t linear—and that sometimes, rediscovering an old dream can help build a new future. Through the keys of a piano and the gentle guidance of a teacher, she’s learning more than just music. She’s learning that it’s possible to thrive—even after surviving the toughest storms.
Sandy is part of the High Notes Avante Music Program—a program dedicated to providing music therapy.
Right now, we have a growing waitlist of individuals like Sandy—ready to take that first step toward healing. If you or someone you know has been touched by mental illness, please consider donating to help us continue offering this life-changing service. Visit highnotesavante.ca to make a contribution and learn more about how music can change lives.