Alida is excited to be joining the team at Sunraysia Arts and Learning as a Registered Music Therapist. Growing up in rural South Australia, Alida loved playing the piano and making music together with her siblings. She started teaching a few beginner students while still in high school and has continued teaching piano in music studios and schools in both Adelaide and Melbourne. Her passion for making and sharing music has continued throughout her adult life and Alida has collaborated with many vocalists and instrumentalists in concerts, exams and amateur musical theatre productions. As well as studying a Bachelor of Music, Alida’s deep interest in people, culture and health led her to study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology. After learning more about the incredible work of music therapists (and learning guitar!) Alida decided to complete her Masters of Music Therapy through the University of Melbourne. She has had experience in adult disability, special education, hospital environments, mental health, and in late 2019 completed her final placement in rural India, working with children with disabilities alongside a community-based local organisation. Alida is looking forward to settling in Mildura with her partner (who is also a music therapist!) and sharing music with many individuals and families throughout the Mallee region.