In the serene mountain town of Big Bear, California, Alec Johnson’s journey with music began. Today, as a practicing music therapist, Alec has taken his passion for music and its transformative power to new heights, touching lives in ways that blend creativity, collaboration and the magic of human connection.
Alec’s academic journey has sprawled across continents, starting at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and then to Valencia, Spain. With a focus on music therapy, guitar performance, and entrepreneurship, he honed his skills both as a performer and a healer. His path then led him to San Diego, where he completed an internship in music therapy, working with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.
Alec’s introduction to The Music Company (TMC) was a serendipitous one. He happened to stumble upon TMC while looking for performance gigs, and decided to check it out: “I walked in and they were super welcoming to me. They gave me a tour and invited me to do a podcast. It’s been a wonderful relationship with them.” What began as a chance encounter has blossomed into a two-year relationship filled with creativity and shared purpose for both Alec and TMC.
So What Exactly Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy, Alec explains, is as diverse as the individuals it serves. Because autism is such a complicated condition, there are so many ways in which music therapy can be utilized to help an individual. No interaction is the same, and each relationship has its own unique way of unfolding: “Therapy is like a journey you go on with your client. If you have this idea that you know exactly what someone needs and you try to deliver that, you’re missing the aspect of listening and the understanding that they have things to show you as well.”
One of the biggest tools Alec implements into his sessions is play: “Interactive play fosters skills in what we call joint attention, like paying attention to someone or following eye gaze.” By stepping back and providing the space for improvisation and fluidity in his sessions Alec has seen countless breakthroughs with his patients. He reflected on his experience with one young patient in particular: “He has a hard time engaging in conversation…these are very fundamental things that I took for granted before working with people with autism. So at first it was just kind of playing with him and practicing to communicate.” By allowing the patients to direct the session and engage in improvised forms of play, communication skills are enhanced and attention span often increases.
Movement is also a factor in Alec’s time with a patient. “There’s a connection between movement, language, and attention,” he says. Simple movements paired with music help individuals regulate their sensory input and develop coping mechanisms. The process is gradual but impactful. “It’s okay for it to take time,” he reflects, recalling a young patient who transitioned from screaming during sessions to engaging in turn-taking and social play.
Measuring Success
Success in music therapy is deeply individualized. Alec tends to measure progress through factors like sustained and joint attention, which encompasses following eye gaze and turn taking. The results are almost entirely qualitative, he notes, as each patient is so unique: “Because everyone is so different, it is really hard to standardize something like this. You’re working to serve an individual and their family, and it’s about listening to what they need.”
Although Alec currently sees his patients at the Music Therapy Center of California (which has locations in both Kearny Mesa and Encinitas), he recently launched his own business: Guard Goose Music Therapy. The name reflects his intention of creating safe and supportive environments for his clients while fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. The name also ties to his interest in permaculture and food forestry—a philosophy of sustainable living that informs his work.
Partnering With TMC
One of Alec’s greatest passions is being creative with programs that foster human connection and communication through music. This is where TMC plays a huge role for Alec. From band coaching sessions that balance guidance with autonomy to therapeutic music programs for veterans and teens, Alec works with TMC to create initiatives that aim to build community and resilience. “Music is a great outlet, and cultivating your person translates to cultivating your musicianship.” Alec and TMC share a mission, and together they strive to provide programs that provide support, education and empowerment to countless individuals.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Alec envisions the continued evolution of music therapy driven by new research and practices. He is excited to further collaborate with TMC to create programs rooted in the principles of music therapy, and dreams of developing immersive retreats that combine music therapy with nature-based activities like gardening, hiking, and outdoor exploration. Alec also aims to expand access to music therapy through virtual platforms, ensuring that individuals in remote areas can experience its transformative benefits.
Alec’s work exemplifies the unique blend of art, science, and heart that defines music therapy. As he continues to innovate and inspire both individually and alongside TMC, he is shaping a world where music is not just a form of entertainment but a pathway to healing and growth.
Written by Claire Madsen
