Joy started to play the accordion at five years of age. She took lessons from Nick Mecca in Torrington, Connecticut until she left for college where she continued to study piano and classical guitar. Joy became a board- certified music therapist after studying the Nordoff- Robbins music therapy method in England and in New York. For over forty years she has utilized music therapy interventions to bring hope and healing into people’s lives.

Joy’s work has included inpatient hospital work with the medically frail and community based programs. She has promoted music therapy internationally and has presented at educational and health conferences in the USA, England, Scotland, Spain, Poland and Russia. Joy has recently played violin and harp for 12 years with the Seaside String Ensemble at the Cape Cod Conservatory, violin with the Cape Community Orchestra and performed Celtic music on the accordion with The Splinters group, in various churches and other small venues.

Joy is semi-retired and works for Hope Health Hospice, as a private music therapy contractor for the Pediatric and Palliative Care Program that is partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Joy plays harp, guitar and accordion for children with life threatening illnesses in their homes. She also continues to play music for memorial services and special church services as per request.

She enjoys playing music with others and listening to classical music. Joy loves hiking, walks on the beach, reading and practicing. She has fond memories of playing the accordion in her earlier years accompanied by her dad on his trumpet. “Spanish Flea” was one of their favorite duets!

Joy is delighted to be playing now with the RUK accordion orchestra. Thank you for the very warm welcome!