Welcome to The Soundboard
Where Music Meets Mindfulness.
Welcome to The Soundboard—the digital heartbeat of Garrett Music Academy. Here, we believe music is more than just a skill; it’s a language for mental health, a tool for development, and a bridge to our best selves. Whether you’re a parent, a performer, or a lifelong listener, this is your space to explore the profound impact of sound on the human experience.
The Blog | The Liner Notes
Deep Dives & Digital Insights. Think of this as the “behind-the-scenes” guide to your musical journey. Our experts explore the transformative power of the arts, covering topics such as:
Music & Mental Health: How rhythm and melody can be your greatest allies in wellness.
The Magic of Musical Theater: Why the stage is a powerhouse for building confidence and social connection.
The Developing Mind: Understanding how musical education shapes the brain at every age.
The Podcast | Mindful Momma’s Mixtape
Music, Mental Health, and Motherhood. Join Krista Garrett (M.S. Psychology and GMA Owner) and Matt Guilherme (Full-time Musician and Music Therapist) as they dive into the intersection of rhythm and the human experience. From the science of sound to the raw reality of parenting, it’s the conversation your soul—and your speakers—have been waiting for.
The App | Mindful Music Matcher
Match your mood to your melody. How are you feeling right now? Our custom-built app uses the principles of psychology and sound to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you need to find calm during a hectic morning or a beat to amplify your joy, the Mindful Music Matcher finds the perfect track for your current state of mind.
"Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."
Garrett Music Academy Blog
Unplug & Play: How Music Lessons Replace Screen Time and Build Stronger Kids
If the after-school routine in your house looks like a kid glued to a tablet, you’re not alone. American children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend an average of four to six hours per day on screens outside of schoolwork, and the effects are showing up in classrooms,
The Mom Burnout Playlist
Ever feel like you or your child’s brain is in overdrive—stuck in a loop of worry, stress, or tension that just won’t quit? That’s anxiety in action. And while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, there’s one powerful (and totally natural) tool that can help ease that anxious mind: music.
Research in neuroscience and mental health shows that music is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful form of stress relief that works with your brain and body to promote calm, focus, and emotional wellness.
Let’s explore the science behind music and anxiety, and why it works so well for both kids and adults.
Music and Anxiety Relief
Ever feel like you or your child’s brain is in overdrive—stuck in a loop of worry, stress, or tension that just won’t quit? That’s anxiety in action. And while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, there’s one powerful (and totally natural) tool that can help ease that anxious mind: music.
Research in neuroscience and mental health shows that music is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful form of stress relief that works with your brain and body to promote calm, focus, and emotional wellness.
Let’s explore the science behind music and anxiety, and why it works so well for both kids and adults.
Resilience Through Rhythm
Research in music psychology and neuroscience increasingly confirms what we see in our music studios every day. When students learn to play an instrument through structured music instruction, they’re simultaneously developing neural pathways that enhance their capacity for mental resilience and cognitive development.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Music Therapy found that regular music participation and music education benefits significantly improved resilience measures in adolescents, particularly in their ability to manage stress, reduce anxiety symptoms, and develop positive coping mechanisms for mental health challenges.
Beyond Singing: How Voice Lessons Enhance Public Speaking and Acting Skills
When most people think of voice lessons, they picture aspiring singers perfecting their pitch and learning to belt out show tunes. While vocal training is essential for singers, its benefits extend far beyond the music world. At Garrett Music Academy, our voice lessons help students develop skills that translate directly to public speaking and acting, making them valuable for professionals, theater enthusiasts, and anyone looking to communicate more effectively.
The Impact of Musical Theater on Children’s Mental Health
When children step into the spotlight of musical theater, they’re gaining far more than performance skills – they’re building essential tools for emotional wellness and psychological development. As educators and mental health professionals increasingly recognize the powerful connection between arts education and psychological well-being, musical theater stands out as a uniquely comprehensive approach to supporting children’s mental health.
GMA's Podcast: Mindful Momma's Mixtape
Mindful Momma’s Mixtape is a podcast about Music, Mental Health, and Motherhood hosted by Krista Garrett, M.S. Psychology and owner of the Garrett Music Academy and her co-host Matt Guilherme, full-time musician and music therapist.
LISTEN NOW!
Check out our NEW APP: Mindful Music Matcher
Meet Your Mood with the Mindful Music Matcher
At Garrett Music Academy, we believe music is more than just notes on a page—it is a biological tool for healing. Using the principles of the Iso-principle and neurological entrainment, our interactive Mindful Music Matcher helps you identify your current emotional state and prescribes a specific sonic landscape to help you navigate it. Whether you need to quiet a racing mind or amplify a moment of joy, discover the “music prescription” your nervous system is looking for today.
How are you feeling today?
Discover music crafted for your mood — and the support to help you go deeper.
"Music can change the world because it can change people." — Bono
Select a mood above to receive your personalized music prescription.
Quick Links
Get In Touch
10425 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk, MD 20754
- Email: info@garrettmusicacademy.com
- Phone: 410-286-5505
- Hours: Mon-Fri 2:00PM - 8:00PM