Future country singing sensation Stephanie Brownlee brings her own style of Music Therapy to John Hunter Children’s Hospital

She is on the verge of music stardom, has released two Top 20 singles ‘Keep it Real’ and ‘Good Friend, Girl Friend’ with her debut album about to hit stores in July. Her name is Stephanie Brownlee and she has been dubbed Australia’s answer to Taylor Swift.

Before the pop/country singer reaches those dizzying heights of fame she plans to visit John Hunter Children’s Hospital on Thursday 27 May and share her unique style of music with patients in the Starlight Room and on the wards.

The 17-year-old Noosa singer who was born in Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth will join music therapist Sean Nolan to bring soothing, therapeutic sounds to the young patients in John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

Brownlee who recorded her debut album in Nashville, Tennessee and was the opening act for The McClymonts during their 2009 tour is looking forward to playing and providing a welcome distraction to the Hospitals patients.

“I’m looking forward to it because I haven’t done anything like this before. I want to make the kids happy and give them some joy, I hope they like it. I will be playing songs for the kids and spending some time with them. I can’t wait,” Stephanie said.

Music therapist Sean Nolan is also looking forward to meeting Australia’s new pop/country prodigy and sharing his duties of providing emotional, physical, psychological, cognitive and social support to patients on the wards.

Nolan himself is no stranger to the stage, with 32 years of experience under his belt; Nolan toured the world with the ‘Queen – It’s Kinda Magic’ tribute band as their bass guitarist.

For Sean Nolan music is a passion, he is one of only 220 Registered Music Therapists in Australia who is expertly trained in using music to achieve specific goals and outcomes in patient interaction.

Brownlee’s manager Dennis Dunstan of Front Row Management has managed the likes Fleetwood Mac and believes Stephanie has the talent to go all the way.

“I first heard Steph’s voice when she was only 15, even then I thought to myself this girl has one the most purest voices I had heard in years, the type of voice that can silence a room,” Mr Dunstan said.

“Steph has what it takes to go all the way, backed up with a sparkling personality and the necessary drive to make it in this toughest of businesses.”

Before Stephanie rides the wave of success though she has one important gig to play, a gig where success isn’t measured by ticket sales, or by critics’ reviews, it’s measured by the smiles brought to the faces of kids who at the moment don’t have a lot to smile about.

Media Opportunity:
When: Thursday 27 May, 2010 at 11:30am
Where: John Hunter Children’s Hospital
What: Country singing sensation Stephanie Brownlee

Media inquiries:
Lucas Coleman - 02 4921 3844,  0407 895101  (ref HNE-2274)