Kei Tatsuno, a former rock band drummer from Japan, has always loved music. Over time, he decided he wanted to extend that passion to help others. With support from Douglas College, Kei made that a reality, learning how to combine music theory, technology and therapy skills to make a real difference.

By Maggie Clark, Marketing and Communications 

After studying music in Japan, Kei Tatsuno lived the rock star dream, touring Asia with bands like Survive Said the Prophet and YesterdayFall. But he wanted more.  

“I wondered what it would be like to perform with people from different cultures,” Kei says. “Listening to a lot of Western rock inspired me to leave my home in Japan and explore the world.” 

Drawn by the allure of the West, Kei moved to Vancouver, Canada, a city that reminded him of his hometown, Sagamihara, with its mix of scenic nature and many artists. It was there that he discovered a fulfilling way to use his musical talent. 

Shifting from rock star to music therapist

Upon arriving in Vancouver, Kei had to adjust to an English-speaking city life. But he didn’t let that stop him, gradually learning phrases of English here and there. 

Settling into his new life, Kei married and became a father to two stepsons, growing especially close to his eldest, who is Autistic. The two shared a love of music, never hesitating to dance to the beat whenever the music was on. 

This connection sparked Kei’s interest in how music can help neurodivergent people. It didn’t solidify into a plan, though, until he took a year-long trip to Japan to care for his father, who was dealing with depression. 

“Whenever I struggled with my own depression, I found joy in playing the drums or listening to music,” Kei says. “My eldest stepson feels the same way and so did my father before his depression. It made me realize I wanted to use music to give people relief from the stress in their life.” 

Driven by this new discovery, Kei looked for local music therapy programs, which led him to Douglas College’s Diploma in Foundation for Music Therapy Studies. 

To meet the English requirements for the diploma, he took the College’s English Language Learning and Acquisition (ELLA) program and chose to enhance his musical skill set at the same time with a Certificate in Basic Musicianship. 

Discovering sound baths

Confident from his time in both programs, Kei was finally prepared for the Diploma in Foundation for Music Therapy Studies. It taught him valuable skills in understanding music theory, recognizing musical elements by ear and playing multiple instruments. It also gave him a chance to apply those skills in the real world through practicums. 

During one of those practicums, Kei set up a variety of instruments – drums, guitar and a mallet – to create soothing rhythms for a senior care centre. As he watched the audience hum and clap along in harmony, Kei had a transformative realization.  

“I felt a surprising connection to the group,” Kei says. “It wasn’t about creating a song or music. Then, it came to me: it was more of a harmonious sound. I wanted to learn more.” 

He discovered that this soothing not-quite-music was a sound bath, a form of meditative experience where people relax, listening to resonant sounds. Studies have shown that it can be therapeutic, lowering anxiety, depression and overall stress. It was exactly the sort of support Kei wanted to provide to others. 

Building on sound therapy with music technology  

To refine his sound bath skills, Kei pursued Douglas’s Diploma in Music Technology, learning how to create backing tracks and program music. Combined with his previous training in music theory and multi-instrumental skills, these new insights enabled Kei to collaborate on “Seeds,” an immersive, nature-inspired sound bath project at Lobe Studio.  

The experience was a positive one, proving to Kei that his plans to provide sound therapy were moving him in the right direction. 

“What I value most is creating an inclusive space so that neurodivergent people can relax and connect with one another. Now, I can make that happen through sound baths, thanks to my time at Douglas.” 

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Learn more about the ELLA, Certificate in Basic Musicianship, Diploma in Foundation for Music Therapy Studies and Diploma in Music Technology programs at Douglas College.