Name: Havovi Desai
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
My inspiration: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Thelonious Monk, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Miles Davis
Education: BA in Music and Psychology, Ohio State University; MA in Music Therapy, New York University
I play and teach: Piano, flute, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, ukulele, voice
My other artistic/musical endeavors: None in New York, but I played a few gigs with my own group in Ohio. My boyfriend is a professional jazz trombonist and we’re hoping to start some duo gigs here soon!
Personal Teaching Statement: As a new music therapist, I am still navigating the different approaches in our field and figuring out the path I want to take in this profession. However, I do already have a strong pull toward Nordoff-Robbins and music centered music therapy. I value music as the core of our work, and I see myself as a musician practicing therapy rather than a therapist who uses music. I operate from a humanistic framework and am influenced by Carl Rogers. I am focused on a client centered approach and working with an individual as a whole being. I believe in the inner music child and the idea that there is music in all of us just waiting to be discovered. I find the music in everything my clients do, and I strive to keep it at the center of our work.
Biography: My name is Havovi and I moved from Ohio to Brooklyn two years ago to pursue music. I received my BA in Music and Psychology from Ohio State University where I spent most of my time in the marching band (C row!) and the jazz department. I got my MA in Music Therapy from NYU. In addition to studying music therapy, I am an aspiring jazz flutist and vocalist.
I have also recently started studying Indian classical music to better understand and connect with my cultural identity. I volunteer for World Wildlife Fund as an environmental activist and I love being outdoors! I also enjoy reading, practicing yoga + meditation, and spending lots of time with my dog, Koa. I am very interested in astronomy and I love stargazing and learning about the constellations.
Professionally, I am about to start my Level 1 training in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and I teach music lessons online each week as well. I am passionate about balancing a career in music therapy, music education and jazz studies. I value music so much and am grateful to be able to follow so many different paths that bring me joy.