Inviting those in commUNITY to join in unity through the expression of creative arts.
LEARN GROW & HEAL TOGETHER
MISSION
Higher Grounds Music is a community-centered organization that uses motivational, classical hip hop to foster community growth. Working in a strength based model, projects, programs and services are offered in various settings, which include schools, after-school programs, community centers, creative spaces, treatment programs and wellness centers. Each experience is designed to create a supportive environment to promote self expression, nurture group cohesion and enrich social emotional growth. We are motivated to make music accessible to all and focus on community outreach in areas in which the arts are limited.
About Us
Christine Gallagher, MA,LMT, MT-BC, LPC
“Christine Elise” is a classically trained harpist and community music therapist facilitating workshops and performing arts experiences to foster community growth and empowerment.
Received her:
(2012) Bachelor of Music.
(2013) Bachelor of Music Therapy
(2015) Masters of Music Therapy from Immaculata University.
(2014- 2018) MusicWorks, Assistant Director of Music Therapy
(2016-2018) Beyond the Bars, Board of Director: Secretary
(2018) Licensed Professional Counselor certification.
(2018) Founded HG Music LLC
(2018) Released her first album, titled Higher Grounds.
(2021) Released second album, titled kƏ’myo ōnƏdē.
(2022) Licensed Music Therapist in Maryland
Finding a passion for community music therapy, Christine facilitated group sessions and workshops for professionals and clients in the USA, South Africa, Peru and Jamaica. She has presented at national, regional, and world music therapy conferences and written scholarly articles published by Music Therapy Perspectives. Christine has provided clinical supervision for undergraduate and graduate students . She taught as an adjunct professor for the music therapy department of Immaculata University College of Graduate Studies and Boyer College of Music and Dance of Temple University for several undergraduate and graduate level classes including foundations, clinical assessment, advanced resource development, clinical improvisation and program development.
Christine has composed for various organizations and institutions. Recent commissions include The Free Project Series, for Pennsylvania Humanities Council, What Does Freedom Mean to Me? as part of the The Dedication of the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Club HouseTheme Song for AHA Studio for Integrated Therapies.
Christine's collaboration w/ Kuf Knotz has led her to open for acts: Wyclef Jean, Yellowman, Raging Fyah, Slick Rick, Rising Appalachia, Morcheeba, and G. Love.
Kuf Knotz
Known for his ability to fuse genres such as hip-hop, reggae, classical, soul, & jazz, Knotz is one of todays fastest emerging alternative artists.
His career has led him to open for a very diverse number of acts:
Ms Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Common, G-love, Wyclef Jean, Slick Rick, The Wailers, Robert Randolph, Steel Pulse, Arrested Development, Robert Glasper, Inspectah Deck, Rising Appalachia, Zac Deputy, Josh Ritter, B.O.B, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Kabaka Pyramid, Yellowman , Soulive , Easy Star Allstars, Ozomatli and Bruce Springsteen.
2008 -”Unstoppable," which became the official song of World Series Champions, The Phillies, with fellow notorious local artists,
G. Love, Don MCclosky and Chuck Treece.
2011-Recorded a solo project, “Boombox Logic”, in collaboration with Drexel University's Mad Dragon Records, the country’s first student run label, winning “Independent Music Awards:Best Hip Hop Song” in 2011.
2015 Tri State Indie Awards Hip Hop Artist of the Year
2015 -Released an album focused on exhibiting a positive message
“A Positive Light” on Ropeadope Records. This lead him to engage in more community outreach projects such as WXPN program Musicians on Call and facilitate fundraising events such as food drives, clothing drives, cancer benefits, and disaster reliefs.
2018 -Kuf has recently collaborated with music therapist and harpist, Christine Elise, co-founding a community outreach performance project, “Higher Grounds Music”.
Within this project, he released an album, “Higher Grounds” in which he has spent the last year spreading peace and positivity on various stages across North America.
2021- Released kƏ’myo ōnƏdē (second album with Christine Elise)
2022- Kuf was named Best Rapper of 2022 by Philadelphia Magazine. He has expanded Project Launch Support by directing and producing several music videos and providing headshots for local Philadelphia musicians.
TestimonialS
"You and Kuf helped me so much this week. Seeing the positive, talking to more than 900 students about how to get back up and face our fears after the earthquake. You are transcendental beings through your harp, voice, guitar, and words." - Art Teacher (Seward, AK)
“This music is very positive and gives people motivation. I got chills from her voice and lyrics. I would summarize their message by saying it is like a journey and there are hardships. This makes us stronger, but never define yourself from your past. Find your calling and you will be fine. I found it interesting using a harp while rapping. It works really well!” - Student of Northern Vermont University
"Last night was such an incredible experience!!!! Thank you all so much in entirety!" - Yoga Student (Bending Bohdi, Dover, NH)
"A million thank yous for putting into song feelings that I sometimes have such a hard time sharing. Your voice, the harp & and the lyrics are so beautiful. I am amazed how incredibly intuitive all the verses are. Thank you so much for the love you put into this. I am so grateful"- Client [commisioned love song] (Reading, PA)
Higher Grounds Music Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
Special thank you to all that have supported this organization's growth and ability to make music programing accessible to various communities world-wide.
