Rick Almeida    What's New – September 6th, 2011

The AlmeidaMusic Business -

When the winds of change blow your way, it often becomes time to take inventory of your skills and define who you are and where life probably wants you to go.  For me, I have had many years of training in analysis, problem determination, project management, programming, operations, people skills, music, and a desire to help people.  All of this started to come together when I took over (my wonderful Daughter) Chris' music job Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton, CT a dozen years or so ago.  From there, it has developed into working with the older population as well as people of special needs.

I went back to school and enrolled in a program called "Therapeutic Recreation Director" certification (TRD) and additionally took a course in "Music Therapy" at Naugatuck Valley Community College as well as attending a Music Therapy Workshop at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I completed my studies and received my Connecticut State certification as a TRD. My passion though, is Music Therapy, but there are currently no accredited schools in this area that offer MT BC.  I have also completed approximately 200 hours of internship at Mulberry Gardens (sincere thanks to all of the staff there) and completed a year at Bethel Health Care on the Rehab Unit as a TRD.

At this time, I have restarted my music business where I have been focusing on therapeutic music and entertainment work. I also do weddings, funerals, assisted living homes, etc., and work part time as a Cantor and Musician at Our Lady of Loreto in Waterbury.  In addition, I still keep a hand on Systems work - fixing other's PCs, doing software installations, training and support. As one of my old mentor's once said "you have to hit 'em high and hit 'em low".  The economy continues to be bad despite what we hear from our politicians. To others in the same boat, keep moving, keep trying, and never stop!

Keep the Faith everyone! God Bless.

Rick

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These are my "truths" and have caused me to make some major life changes and gambles.  I've listed a few of my favorites below.

Walt Disney:

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you".

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them".

Unknown:

"To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world."

Jimmy Buffett:

"If a hurricane doesn't leave you dead, it will make you strong. Don't try to explain it just nod your head. Breathe in, breathe out, move on".

And last but not least:

George Eliot:

"It is never too late to be what you might have been". 

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