My name is Deggra Stratton and I have taken an interest in Music for my entire life. I believe that music is a language that is universal to all human beings.
My journey choosing to major in music was an easy task. When I was born my parents installed a musical mobile above my crib. I would listen to the chimes
and angelic tunes from the musical mobile that soared on
top of my crib. The sounds were so soothing and comforting. What baby would want to cry after listening to such sweet and unique sounds?
In addition, when I was a child, my parents would provide me and my siblings with additional toys that were educational and of musical interest; such as a lyre (a portable musical harp), xylophone, organ, flute, zither harp, harmonica, and drum or shaker items. These items were very joyful and left me with fun-filled memories that have enhanced my knowledge of music. Although I did not have professional training in any of the instruments, I was able to be creative in my own way.
When I attended elementary school, there were often music classes given to the children for participation. There were many times that the children as well as their parents’ were not made aware that the classes were available for playing various types of musical instruments. At one point in time, I was able to learn how to play the song, “Hot Cross Buns” on the Recorder Flute while in elementary school in the 3rd grade. When family occasions would arise I would showcase my talent in front of this grand audience. If my cousins were present, they would joyfully make jokes and tease me. Although I really was not quite as satisfied with this instrument –it was like a toy and not like a professional brass instrument that is normally played in a band. I wanted to play something more intricate, like a silver, side-blown Flute or the Piano.
My life has always been surrounded by musical activities such as: Cheerleading for my High School Basketball team or cheering for the Basketball team for a popular radio station in the community. Most recently, I was cast in the York College production of Hair 
– The Tribal Musical”. I produced many of my own TV shows and edited programs that included music for the Community Access Television station. I have engaged in freelance work as a Clown for children’s’ parties.
One of my most influential projects were as the Parent Teacher Association President creating a fundraising drive to promote having a music program in the Elementary School. The project was very successful and I was able to purchase 25 Piano keyboards and hire a music teacher to teach the children.
I believe that music therapy is important because it provides mental and physical treatment in various areas addressing emotional, cognitive and social needs for many individuals. I have actually used my own method of Music Therapy when I performed at a venue at a Nursing Home and a Nursery School. I provide the clients’ with musical instruments and engage them in the performance. I believe this is a form of physical and mental rehabilitation and it also increases movement to motivate people and support their expression of feelings.
I like the idea of maintaining a Blog by sharing and gaining a broad interest in this field. I hope to engage readers and inspire the public to be motivated by Music Therapy. I would like to be the pulse of the community to keep the music alive and engage in the many therapeutic qualities of healing the mental state of mind that affects people of all ages and abilities.
Having a Blog is inspiring. I hope to engage in the necessary information, research and feedback as well as engage in the corporate social responsibility strategies. By promoting an interest in the field of Music Therapy, I am hopeful that this business will be wide-spread all over the world. I have hopes to creatively venture out to other areas in the world that are in need of Music Therapy. By interacting with people of all abilities and becoming multifaceted in the field of music is a journey that I look forward to.
I welcome you to the world of Music Therapy and hope through this blog – it hold your interest open a new avenue of musical understanding.
My WordPress Blog site is: https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/muzicall
A native New Yorker and formerly a Queens Public Access TV Producer, Director, Editor and Host of my own TV show series entitled “D
eggra’s Voices of Light” and “Deggra’s Tune It Up Variety Show”.
An inspiring performer in various capacities of Movies, Commercials, Television Shows and a Funk/Jazz/R&B Music Band Singer & Hostess. Most recently, cast in the York College production of “Hair – A Tribal Musical.”
Deggra is an entrepreneur who previously owned a Clown service. This business led to a performance as a “Pixie Ghoul” in Madison Square Garden’s /Paramount Studios “Scare Garden Haunted House.” A talented leader and Entrepreneur working towards a Music Degree.
Some of her endeavors include enhancing the New York community’s educational World becoming the First (1st) Founding PTA President of Merrick Academy Queens Public Charter School, Queens Village, NY and facilitating a Parent Building Search committee and Fundraising to find and Fund a solid location for the then Grade K-5 School as well as institute a Music program. A personal invitation to the White House granted by President George Bush celebrated the hard work of organizing the PTA and engaged in a sign off of the “No Child Left Behind Act”.