It has become a safety net through turbulent times, and a beacon of hope. I am deeply grateful for the insight, reassurance and comfort Mary’s course has given me.
It is truly a generous gift that could only enhance understanding at any and every stage of life."

Ann West February, 2008

Barbara Reuer PhD, MT-BC, former president of the American Music Therapy Association and foremost music therapist in the country: "Mary Morreale is "music therapist extraordinaire". Mary is a conscientious, inquisitive, and a highly motivated therapist. During her internship, Mary approached all assignments with maturity, strong interest, and dedication to the outcome. Because her work experiences varied daily from agency to agency, Mary had to be very flexible and adaptable to client situations ... from work with Alzheimer's patients, to bedside work in medical settings, to group work with cardiology patients (Healing Hearts group) to facilitating large groups in a substance abuse facility.

Her calm presence seems to communicate to clients and coworkers, notably that she is listening, but that she is hearing what is being said and understanding the meaning. She is comfortable in leading groups, and equally comfortable in one to one settings. Mary can be very spontaneous in her work as a music therapist. She is creative in her session plans, improvises beautifully on the piano to adapt to client needs, and successfully adapted guided imagery and music techniques. All of the aspects of her work with clients are highly visible in her everyday interactions as well. She is utterly kind, thoughtful, wise and insightful. Mary's strength is in thoughtful communication and an empathic manner."

"Mary is a first-class musician with a heart for God and people. Mary's music is both soulful and surprising; inviting hearers to places of familiarity within one's journey and also to explore nooks and crannies of one's spirit covered up or covered over. Mary's music ministry is about healing, wholeness, and joy, not of the superficial variety but of the kind arising out of the depths."
Thomas A. Sweet, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, New York

"Mary Morreale is one of the pioneers in giving people a mode of access to the mystic heart of religion through music. I welcome and applaud this new and powerful way of refreshing mind, heart and spirit with her original music and guided prayer meditations."

Ross Mackenzie Episcopalian priest,
former Director of Department of Religion, Chautauqua Institution

"This year is my second round with the group. Due to my background as a clinical social worker, I have been a member, a facilitator, and a trainee in dozens of group approaches designed for personal growth.

Mary’s own leadership, as a music therapist, lead to a supportive, accepting group experiences where everyone’s participation was respected and valued.

On a more personal level, this group has supported my deeper exploration of my unique connection to God. I gained valuable insights into my soul’s purpose. I felt embraced by the group’s response to my sharing. I developed an intimate connection with the other members, which lead me to start coming to the Sunday services and ultimately join this congregation as a member. This group again opened me up to the importance of Christian fellowship in my life."

Nancy Mann LCSW

“I joined “Music and Transformation” familiar with many traditional Spiritual disciplines though this is not necessary. Through Mary’s orderly offering of inner exercises, music, and reflection, I was able to deepen my relationship with God, others and self. I return knowing that there is always more to shed and more to nurture.”

Marjorie Colton

“Although a relative newcomer to Mary’s class, I’m already engaging in an increased awareness of my spirituality through music, scripture and guided meditation. I came to the class seeking personal growth and direction as I enter a new stage of life: retirement. Mary’s lessons and the sharing of ideas with the others in the clas are guiding me on that journey.”

Dianne Hughes

“Participating in Mary Morreale’s music and spirituality class stimulates rich life- defining moments. The format of each session stimulates the myriad of learning styles among the participants. Personally, I am learning to recognize and celebrate my own unique Divine Essence and precious spirituality.

The techniques of creating mandalas and identifying positive energies, Scripture reading and beautiful music foster deep individual growth within me. I will always remain thankful and very excited about this class and life experience!”

Twila Skelly

Mary Morreale’s course, Nurturing Spiritual Development through Music, is inspired work.

Here's what past participants said from the experience of this course. The following are direct quotes:

How has your spiritual development been affected as a result of taking this class?

• I have been affected by the class in that I am thinking more about my life and what I do with the things I have done in the past and the reasons why.
• My expectations of myself in relationship to others has changed.
• Absolutely! The class has taught me to be more aware of my spiritual development, where I clearly was not considering that a part of my overall well-being before.
• Definitely yes. I didn't know much about spirituality and was curious. I have learned so much. I do believe I am developing into a "spiritual person". I had always tried to think of others, not myself, but a spiritual person thinks of others by being her True Self.

Were your expectations of the class met?

• Yes. I was working on some special agenda and they were answered during the nine months, and new journeys are beginning.
• Very helpful to see the cycles of the past. Made one view one's life in its totality
• Definitely yes. I learned so much I'd never known before. The music was the most important tool in "nurturing my spiritual self". Your interpretation of and choice of instruments really moved me from one state of consciousness to deeper levels where so much more understanding at a feeling level took place.