We recently connected with Tiana Dick and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiana, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for my differences and taken advantage of by my peers. I often took to heart what people said about me. I was so afraid of not being accepted and I wanted to be someone else. I used to look at myself in the mirror and say things like, “why are you so stupid?” and “why can’t you be like other kids.” My self-esteem and my confidence was at its lowest point.
My mom saw how much I struggled and decided to remove me from public school after the teachers and the principle decided that there wasn’t anything that they were willing to change. She showed me how to work through the things that I struggled with and taught me how to trust myself again. She built me up to be proud of the things that made me different and to cling to them. These things would set me apart from others in a way that was beautiful. She put me in vocal lessons where I started to compete and win gold medals for my talent. Where my grades previously suffered, I started to excel with new approaches to learning and self compassion.
When I eventually enrolled in a public high school, I was nervous about being subjected to judgement again, but I had built up a new sense of confidence in myself. I immediately found my place in the music scene at my school and found people that I could relate to. I harnessed my talent and attended many different competitions all over Canada and the USA where I won awards. After competing in a music festival in Monterey, California, I was asked to audition for Berklee College of Music. It had never occurred to me to audition for a prestigious school like Berklee because I didn’t believe that I was good enough to be considered. But not only did I receive admission to Berklee, I also received a full tuition scholarship that shook me to my core.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I discovered music therapy while pursuing a degree in Jazz Performance at Berklee College of Music. After receiving a scholarship, I felt a responsibility to make the most of the opportunity and eventually decided to pursue a double major. When I enrolled in the music therapy program, I felt like I had finally found where I truly belonged.
Music therapy brought together two core parts of me: my passion for music and my deep desire to uplift others. Before discovering the field, I had struggled with the idea that I might have to choose between music and meaningful work with people. Music therapy showed me that I could do both.
Berklee provided a range of practicum experiences that deeply shaped my development. I had the opportunity to work with individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, people with complex mental health and social needs, individuals suffering from PTSD, and alongside medical staff in the pediatric ICU at Tufts Floating Medical Center.
After completing my degree, I pursued an internship in Ontario at Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada, where I worked primarily with Deafblind individuals. There, I began incorporating sign language into my music therapy practice—an approach that later helped me support non-speaking children more effectively.
Shortly after completing my internship and receiving certification, I launched my private practice. I currently work with children with developmental disabilities, ranging in age from 1 to 17, and occasionally with adults in memory care units or in their homes.
Since starting my business four years ago, I’ve felt a deep and consistent sense that I was meant to be a music therapist. Every client is unique and challenges me to explore new approaches and ways of thinking. I live out my values in each session, autonomy and respect are always at the forefront. My work is client-led: I never force participation but create a safe, supportive environment where clients are encouraged to try new things when they feel ready.
While every client is different, many of the core techniques I use remain consistent. I often integrate songwriting, lyric analysis, singing, dancing, improvisation, and creative emotional expression. I also incorporate video production and multimedia tools for music videos and other visual music projects.
The best part of my job is that the work is not only effective, it’s joyful. Clients engage in activities that are meaningful and fun, while also working toward clinical goals that support their development and enhance their quality of life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Resilience
Growing up, I watched both of my parents face challenges with strength and determination—my father working in the ICU as a nurse, and my mother running her own photography business and later working in education. Their ability to keep going, to adapt, and to care deeply despite life’s ups and downs taught me what it means to be resilient.
Advice: To build resilience, surround yourself with people who lift you up, reflect often on how you’ve grown through challenges, and don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it. Resilience isn’t about being unaffected—it’s about continuing with purpose even when things are hard.
2. Courage to Lead and Advocate
Starting my own business and advocating for music therapy in my community required stepping into unknowns. I drew on the quiet courage I saw modeled by my parents—standing up for what they believed in, building something from the ground up, and doing it with heart.
Advice: Courage doesn’t always feel bold—it often starts small, like speaking up in a meeting or sharing your ideas with one new person. Take those small steps regularly, and over time they grow into something powerful.
3. Compassion and Connection
My parents taught me to love and respect others deeply, and this value is central to my work with clients. Music therapy is about connection, trust, and presence, and these qualities have helped me build meaningful relationships and foster healing through music.
Advice: Practice showing up for people—not just in your work, but in everyday life. Listen actively, seek to understand before offering solutions, and stay grounded in empathy. The more compassion you show, the more trust you’ll build.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the most difficult parts of my work is navigating the roadblocks that arise when funding for music therapy services is limited. Unfortunately, music therapy is still not widely recognized or understood. While it was recently designated as a health service by the Government of British Columbia, a significant step forward for the field, meaningful change continues to happen slowly.
The Music Therapy Association of British Columbia (MTABC) is working hard to advocate for greater awareness and systemic support. I’m currently part of a committee within MTABC that is focused on securing government funding to support children under the age of six with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to allow families to access music therapy without having to bear the full financial burden themselves. We are in the process of writing a whitepaper that will be submitted to the provincial government of BC.
These small but critical efforts will make a meaningful difference for future music therapists, allowing the field to grow and reach more individuals who can benefit from this work. When policymakers and funders fully recognize the value of music therapy, we will be able to expand our impact and help more people harness the unique and transformative power of music.
My mission will always be to use music to improve lives, support development, and provide tools that enhance quality of life, especially for those who might otherwise go without this kind of support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://islandaria.ca
- Instagram: @islandariamt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandariamt/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IslandAria
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
