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Elliot Gann
Executive Director at Today's Future Sound (TFS), creator of the Therapeutic Beat Making (TBM) model and Psychologist.
Professional Background
Elliot Gann is a passionate innovator and educator in the realms of music therapy and Hip Hop pedagogy. With a strong desire to empower under-served and resource-deprived youth, Elliot has dedicated his career to advancing the use of Hip Hop and electronic music production as therapeutic and educational interventions. He is an accomplished creator of the Therapeutic Beat Making (TBM) model that is currently used by Today's Future Sound (TFS) to provide impactful learning experiences in schools, juvenile detention centers, and community settings.
Elliot's professional journey is marked by a variety of roles and responsibilities that showcase his dedication to music education and therapy. He has held key positions such as Executive Director and Lead Instructor at Today’s Future Sound, where he shaped the curriculum and provided essential instruction to the youth involved in his program. Throughout his career, he has shared his expertise as a consultant and guest instructor at reputable institutions, including the NYC Department of Education, Arizona State University, and the University of Melbourne, and has lectured on the educational and therapeutic applications of Hip Hop music production.
In addition to his work with TFS, Elliot’s versatile background includes serving as an artist in residence at the Asian Art Museum and conducting research on innovative approaches in music therapy. His work reflects a synthesis of psychology, creativity, and community engagement, making him a sought-after presenter at academic and professional forums such as Texas State University. Through these endeavors, Elliot strives to break down barriers and foster self-expression, skill development, and emotional healing amongst young people.
Education and Achievements
Elliot Gann's educational background is foundational to his career in clinical psychology and music therapy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, providing him with an essential understanding of human behavior and mental health. He furthered his expertise by completing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at The Wright Institute, equipping him with advanced skills in individual therapy, group therapy, and music/art therapy techniques tailored for children and adolescents.
Over the years, Elliot has built a reputation not only as a therapist but also as a thought leader in the fields of music and education. His significant contributions to the field include developing the TBM model, which emphasizes the therapeutic potential of beat making and music production. His research aims to document and explore the efficacy of this model in various settings, thus laying the groundwork for future applications of music therapy in educational contexts.
Achievements
Elliot Gann has garnered an impressive portfolio of achievements throughout his career. As the Executive Director and Lead Instructor at Today’s Future Sound, he has overseen the implementation of programs that provide positive and enriching experiences for youth from various backgrounds. His leadership has not only influenced the curriculum but also trained many educators and aspiring artists in therapeutic applications of Hip Hop music production.
With diverse consulting roles spanning the educational landscape, Elliot has made significant impacts at institutions such as the Alameda County Office of Education and Bronx Compass H.S. NYC Board of Education. His presentations at respected conferences and universities have further showcased his commitment to integrating Hip Hop into educational and therapeutic practices.
Furthermore, as a visiting artist and lecturer at various reputable institutions such as Arizona State University and the Asian Art Museum, Elliot has shared his insights into the intersection of art, music, and psychology, providing guidance on how Hip-Hop can foster resilience and personal growth in youth.
Elliot’s extensive professional and educational journey reflects his belief in the transformative power of music as a vehicle for therapy and learning, especially among disadvantaged communities. His innovative approach continues to influence how therapy and education intersect with art, paving the way for a future where every young person has access to self-expression through music.
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