My name is Ray Baldonade. I have been married since 1987 to a wonderful girl and have been blessed with three boys.

I work at an elementary school in Rocklin CA and teach music to children ages 4 to 13 through an enrichment program I started and created. I currently have about two hundred students. I love what I do and share my knowledge and experience with anyone seeking it. I would like to bring the comfort of music to people that are challenged with difficult times such as sickness or any other reason for a hospital, hospice or long term stay.

 A few months back, I had an experience regarding the healing power of music. My wife had to undergo surgery and I joined her in the recovery room afterwards. Next to her bed was an elderly women who seemed to be in obvious distress due to pain and anxiety. She kept crying out for help and the nurses tried their best to calm her down but, to no avail. I wanted to help so, as usual, I had my ukulele with me and I started to play a song I was working on (Somewhere Over the Rainbow). Almost immediately, the woman started to quiet down and was then able to rest.  I played until the doctor came and relieved her pain. The attending nurse came over to me afterwards and thanked me for playing and told me how much of a positive influence it had on the patient and the staff of the recovery room.

This experience made a profound impression on me and a friend suggested becoming a Certified Music Practitioner so I could bring comfort through music to patients of all ages.

I have the opportunity to start a music therapy certification program this January 2017 but I am in need of some financial assistance from anyone who would like to support my efforts.  I cannot express how much it would mean to me to get this certification and I would really appreciate your help!

Music is my passion and I do love sharing it with anyone who wants to listen.