Catherine Black
Artistic Director
A mental health advocate, pianist, and entrepreneur, Catherine founded Classical Healing Keys to bring music and wellness to audiences.
Having performed in over 40 venues across South Carolina such as recital halls, retirement homes, and private gatherings, she enjoys sharing music with a variety of audiences. Catherine has served as a Young Juror for the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, appeared in a commercial for the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), and regularly accompanies solo, ensemble, and orchestral works.
Catherine holds a BM in Piano Performance from the University of South Carolina, where she graduated summa cum laude with Leadership Distinction in Professional and Civic Engagement and honors from the Honors College. She holds certification in Mental Health First Aid and is currently pursuing an MM in Piano Performance from Converse University.
Alison Hughey, MT-BC
Consultant
Alison Hughey's greatest passion is guiding clients in connection, comfort and communication through music.
Since studying music therapy at Converse University and earning her board certification in 2010, she has served clients across the lifespan and contributed to research in community mental health and dementia care.
Alison serves clients through her private practice, Carolina Music Therapy, and through the Lawson Academy at Converse University. She also wears multiple "music hats” as a worship leader, band member, and music & wellness group facilitator.
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Justin Schwartz
Activity Leader
Composer Justin Schwartz uses his struggles with adversity to create a novel and refreshing approach to his composition. His experiences with Autism and ADHD craft a unique lens through which he sees the world.
Justin is a graduate of Belmont University where he received a B.M. in Music Composition with a minor in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude, and studied music composition under Dr. Mark Volker. Justin is attending the University of South Carolina for his Masters in Music Composition.
Characteristic of his disdain for regimented convention, Justin freely mixes multiple genres, both classical and nonclassical, from Led Zeppelin to Klezmer in his writing.
Recent commissions include Sometime from Dr. Jane Warren, Monotonous Metropolis Populace from Dr. Dan Lochrie, and The Moth’s Mistake from Loadbang as part of the 2020 Charlotte New Music Festival.
Emmalee Wood
Consultant
A music teacher and therapist, Emmalee recognizes that some of the greatest ways to connect with other people can be through the music and musical experiences we enjoy.
Emmalee received her BME from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC in 2017, before receiving her MM in Music Therapy from Florida State University in 2020. While at FSU, Emmalee worked with preschool-aged children, students with special needs, and veterans at the VA in Tallahassee, FL.
Emmalee is currently a teacher in Greenville County and works with elementary-aged students. She enjoys combining her experience in education and therapy to provide the greatest experience for all!
Justin Schwartz
Activity Leader
Composer Justin Schwartz uses his struggles with adversity to create a novel and refreshing approach to his composition. His experiences with Autism and ADHD craft a unique lens through which he sees the world.
Justin is a graduate of Belmont University where he received a B.M. in Music Composition with a minor in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude, and studied music composition under Dr. Mark Volker. Justin is attending the University of South Carolina for his Masters in Music Composition.
Characteristic of his disdain for regimented convention, Justin freely mixes multiple genres, both classical and nonclassical, from Led Zeppelin to Klezmer in his writing.
Recent commissions include Sometime from Dr. Jane Warren, Monotonous Metropolis Populace from Dr. Dan Lochrie, and The Moth’s Mistake from Loadbang as part of the 2020 Charlotte New Music Festival.
Want to join our team? Send your resume or CV to admin@classicalhealingkeys.com