Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Ziemelis.
Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a really musical family, so music has been part of me for as long as I can remember. I began studying piano at age 7 and clarinet at age 11, played in school bands and church groups, and pretty quickly knew music was going to be a lifelong thing for me.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University, and that’s where I really discovered how powerful music can be — not just to perform, but to connect people, to bring joy, and to provide an additional mode of therapy for people. That experience opened the door for me to work in a lot of different ways: teaching lessons, leading early childhood music classes, and providing music therapy and adaptive music experiences.
At SoundWaves Music, I get to blend all those passions. I love teaching private piano and clarinet lessons, working with kids and families in Music Together®, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable exploring music no matter their age or ability. My goal is always to make music feel fun, approachable, and personal — because I really believe music is for everyone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I struggled with difficult practicum placements during college (my first semester in the community I was placed with a high school class of students with emotional and behavioral needs in a low income school district….that was REALLY tough). I also worked on an inpatient psych unit shortly after I graduated from WMU and that was extremely challenging, but also allowed me to grow immensely as a music therapist. As of late, this new venture to open my own business that encompasses the different music services that I offer has proven to be difficult in a number of ways. Muskegon isn’t always the most progressive city, so I have found myself doing a lot more educating than just advertising and promoting. It’s an uphill battle, but one I think is well worth fighting.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At SoundWaves Music, my goal is to make music feel approachable and fun for everybody. I work with a pretty wide range of people — little ones in early childhood classes, students taking private piano or clarinet lessons, and folks who benefit from music therapy or adaptive music experiences.
The heart of what I do is helping people connect with music in a way that works for them. For some, that’s learning to play an instrument and building confidence through lessons. For families, it might be joining a Music Together® class where parents and kids sing, move, and play together. And for others, it’s using music therapy as a way to communicate, express emotions, or meet developmental goals in a supportive setting.
I really believe music is for everyone, and I love creating spaces where people can discover just how powerful and enjoyable it can be.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that I’m always continuing to learn, and that’s ok! I don’t have to know all the answers, I just need to be willing to do some research and give myself the time to grow in new areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soundwavesmusicmi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundwavesmusicmi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundwavesmusicmi
