"I want to reach that kid ... I want to know how to support them ... and engage them"

Claire McGlew’s story is a profound journey of adaptation and defying the odds. She initially studied to be an opera singer in Western Australia before transitioning into music education with a strong desire to help kids who, like her, didn't fit the traditional educational mould. However, despite excelling in her university practicums, Claire faced severe discrimination; schools bluntly refused to hire her simply because she is blind and uses a guide dog.

Instead of letting this defeat her, Claire adapted. After noticing the profound psychological benefits her private music students were experiencing, she packed up her life and moved from Perth to Melbourne to pursue a master's degree in music therapy—a move she made even while recovering from a traumatic health battle and severe PTSD. Claire quickly realized that the very sensitivities the classical music world viewed as a disadvantage were actually her greatest strengths in a therapeutic space.

Today, Claire is back in Perth, undertaking a Master of Philosophy to pioneer groundbreaking research on how music therapy can support the mental health and stability of FIFO (fly-in fly-out) families facing separation and reintegration. This is a powerful story of turning closed doors into an opportunity to change the world for the better.

You can connect with Claire on :-

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/glissando_musictherapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=glissando

LinkedIn :- https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mcglew-b859b0157/