Photo caption: Music Therapist Kelly Lefaive uses the new Digital Audio Workstation at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.
A new resource is providing Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care patients with a creative outlet to express themselves and further their health-related goals: the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
The DAW is a mobile cart equipped with a microphone, a laptop and two professional-level software programs, Ableton Live and FL Studio. This new tool gives patients the ability to experiment with sounds, create music and use technology to enhance their therapeutic journey.
Music Therapist Kelly Lefaive works with patients across the Penetanguishene hospital, overseeing the DAW and facilitating creative expression through music — a long-standing part of the therapeutic process at Waypoint. Patients using the DAW can access pre-recorded audio files drawing from a variety of musical genres.
“You can pick and choose and experiment with different sounds, and you can put them together and literally create a song,” Kelly explained. “Your own voice can be added — or you can add guitar or keyboard or any live instrument you might play. There’s just so much that can be done with it.”
This innovative technology isn’t just about creating music. It’s also a way to help patients build self-expression, boost their confidence and even address their mental health challenges. Kelly notes many of Waypoint’s patients are incredibly creative, and the DAW gives them a meaningful way to further discover that side of themselves.
“This type of programming has existed for a long time,” she said, “but what’s unique about the DAW program is that it’s absolutely current technology. We’re using professional-level equipment, which allows our patients to explore their creativity in new ways.”
In the two months since the DAW has been in use, around 10 to 15 patients have already taken advantage of this new tool. Most have worked with Kelly directly, but a select few have learned to use the equipment independently, booking time in the Music Room to experiment with their own compositions.
Kelly's work at Waypoint is truly unique. She is the only Music Therapist servicing all of Waypoint, including the high-secure forensic units. By rolling the DAW to different locations, she’s able to ensure all individuals have access to this powerful tool. As the program continues to grow, Kelly hopes even more patients will find the same joy and therapeutic benefit from exploring music through technology.
Waypoint is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addiction and geriatric care. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, the hospital serves some of the most complex and disadvantaged individuals in Ontario and is the sole provider of high-secure forensic mental health services in the province.