Shulamit Mor becomes Chair of High Notes Avante
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On paper, there is no one more perfect to become involved with High Notes Avante (HNA) than Dr. Shulamit Mor. Still it took her some time before becoming involved.
“I used to get flyers in my mailbox (at York University, where she used to teach and is now retired ) and I thought it was interesting, but I didn’t take any action.”
Finally, Shulamit says, curiosity got the better of her. From her first meeting with Founder Ingrid Taheri, she was hooked. Soon after she joined the Board, and today serves as its Chair.
“I was looking for an organization where I could be useful, where I had knowledge,” says Shulamit.
As it turns out, Shulamit’s knowledge could not be a more perfect fit for High Notes Avante. Not only is she a clinical psychologist who runs three busy clinics around the city, she is also a former professional concert pianist.
Shulamit has always had an interest in combining her two passions of music and psychology, writing her masters thesis on Music and Perfectionism, and her PhD. dissertation on Musicians and their Sense of Self.
Through her professional career she has become an expert on working with musicians and other performers who struggle with mental health issues, such as performance anxiety, depression, creativity blocks and career struggles. Her clients at her performance clinic include musicians, actors, film producers, dancers and visual artists.
When it comes to mental health, Shulamit is passionate in advocating the health benefits of playing music for individuals who struggle with mental health difficulties.
“The sheer act of playing or singing has tremendous benefits in terms of releasing serotonin and dopamine, both of which play a crucial role in reducing depression and anxiety,” says Shulamit. “Active music-making also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps in terms of increasing self esteem, self worth, concentration and mindfulness.”
Furthermore, making music together can help with alleviating loneliness and isolation.
Statistics show that one in five Canadians are living with mental health issues, which means that if you put just five random people in a room, it’s likely that at least one is touched by mental illness.
“This is why we are running a book club and a choir and why we are now offering music lessons. We want people to find each other and share their experiences,” says Shulamit. “You don’t feel as alone when you meet people in the same boat.”
