Our Most Recent Musicianship and Leadership Program (MLP) Grad
Laura joins more than 130 North American Grads spanning our 40 year history.
She was inspired to attend an Improvisation for All workshop in 2022, as the world was beginning to open, and she felt a strong desire to reconnect in social settings. Part of the inspiration was her eagerness to learn to play her djembe alongside melodic instruments, because she had been holding a dream for years—to play in a band.
Laura tells how she was drawn in by the workshop description:
It emphasized creating a safe space where participants could reconnect with a childlike sense of playfulness, joy, and curiosity through music-making.
I loved the idea of learning how to play with others rather than simply learning how to play an instrument. Through instrumental exploration, vocalization, and expressive body movements, participants were encouraged to experiment, connect, and discover music together in a fun, supportive environment.
Healing, empowering, multi-layered, transcendent
After experiencing that weekend, it became clear that their approach to music-making was truly multilayered. The ability to connect and create music with complete strangers within seconds was profound. It was an experience that felt healing and empowering for everyone involved, demonstrating how music can transcend words and foster an immediate sense of connection, trust, and community.
The experience completely shifted my perspective on how music-making could be approached. My reflections on that weekend ran deep, taking me all the way back to my elementary and junior high school years.
Ignoring the Learning Disability Label
As a child Laura had been labeled as having a learning disability. The guidance she received was to drop the music and focus on fine arts. She was told she’d have limited ability to comprehend music.
She filtered these comments out.
My attraction to music was simply too strong to ignore. I took it upon myself to explore playing the drum kit throughout my middle and high school years, following my curiosity despite the limitations others had placed on my musical abilities.
This curiosity and interest continued through college and has continued to grow in her adult life. She participated in drum circles, took West African drumming classes and continued to explore rhythm, sound, and making music with others.
The Universe Opens Doors
This brings me back to the Improvisation for All weekend workshop at Molloy College in 2022. Within less than a year of attending my first Music for People workshop, new opportunities began unfolding that allowed me to immerse myself more deeply in the world of music.
It felt as though the universe was opening doors, inviting me to take what I had experienced and learned and begin sharing it with others.
Working in various Assisted Living Communities and Rehabilitation Centers, Laura was introduced to working with individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. She was also able to offer support and connection to their caregivers.
Experiencing Anxiety and Reward
And while these experiences were really rewarding, she also experienced some anxiety.
I wanted to show up in a meaningful and supportive way, and I recognized that I needed more structure, training, and guidance to understand how best to facilitate music experiences for these specific populations.
She enrolled in the MLP and continued to provide wellness services to these communities. And this is where the MfP community of support kicked in.
No Permission Needed
She didn’t wait for permission, nor did she wait until she had graduated. She moved forward, knowing she had a strong supportive community at her back.
I found reassurance knowing I had a community of mentors and fellow musicians supporting me along the way. Having access to that mentorship, guidance, and encouragement gave me greater confidence and the courage to step into new opportunities and say “yes,” even when I was still learning.
While she was in the MLP, she connected with public libraries throughout Long Island, New York City and the tri-state region and began facilitating improvisational drum circles for all ages, from kids to seniors.
With the MLP training she has created opportunities for participants to explore music-making in an MfP way—interactive, supportive and playful.
The Demand Grows
Over time, I saw a growing demand for these kinds of social and emotional music-making experiences.
People were looking for meaningful ways to connect with others, express themselves, and experience the joy of creating something together.
Through these drum circles, I was able to bring the principles of improvisation, connection, and creative exploration to diverse communities.
And the Responses?
The responses have been incredibly heartwarming. Attendees often share comments such as, “I had no idea how healing music could be!”
Others have expressed how empowering, joyful, and fun it is to create music collectively in the moment.
Witnessing these realizations is a beautiful reminder that music-making doesn’t have to be about technical skill or prior experience.
It can be about connection, self-expression, spontaneity, and discovering what becomes possible when we create together.
Where is Laura Today?
Today, I work with diverse populations across Long Island, New York City, and beyond, facilitating music-making experiences for a variety of occasions both nationally and internationally.
In 2025, I was honored to receive an endorsement from REMO, and more recently, I joined the Music for People Board of Directors.
These milestones represent meaningful steps in my journey, bringing me full circle to the organization that helped transform my relationship with music and inspired me to share its power with others.
What About the Dreams of Being in a Band?
Laura is now playing percussion in three bands!
Follow her @fengshuimanhattan account on Instagram to see the range of Laura’s work.
You can also find her on Facebook and follow her events there.
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Master | Reiki Master | Geopathic Stress Dowser | REMO Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator | Sound Healer
@fengshuimanhattan