Combining a love for music, with a desire to help others, aspiring music therapists are finding their calling on campus. The new Music Therapy program emphasizes clinical training to prepare graduates for future careers.
Music Therapy is any use of various musical engagements to help people of all different needs and backgrounds.
Started in Fall 2022, it is the only degree-granting program in Connecticut. Students earn a bachelor of science degree. It currently has more than 20 majors.
“There are four other institutions in New England that offer some kind of music therapy degree,” Music Therapy Coordinator, Heather J. Wagner says. Berklee College, University of Rhode Island, Westfield State University, all offer undergraduate degree programs. Lesley College offers graduate degrees.
“There are job opportunities for music therapists in a variety of settings, both locally and throughout the United States,” says Wagner.
The program is located in the basement of Engleman Hall, where music can be heard throughout the hallway.
Alexis Sorrell, a junior, decided to pursue this field due to her love of music, and a desire to help others.
“I think that people have a very special, and deep, connection to music in tandem with therapy. It can be very positive helping people deal with their problems,” Sorrell says.
Sorrell’s inspiration to become a music therapist came from her mother, a hospice nurse, who works alongside a music therapist.
Sorrell says witnessing the, “transformative power of music on patients,” especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, motivated her to this unique field.
“[Patients] don’t know what food they’re eating in front of them, but they know all the words to their favorite songs. And their whole mood just lightens up whenever they hear music.”
Sorrell’s experience exemplifies how music can awaken the memories, emotions and spirits of individuals who suffer from cognitive decline.
Gager Collier, a sophomore, chose this degree because it combines his interests in science, helping people and music. He switched is major from biology to psychology before discovering music therapy.
He says he finds it to be a perfect fit for his interests and goals. He was drawn to the field’s hands-on, creative aspect and found it fulfilling.
“Music therapy is like the perfect bridge between science and art and also helping people,” Collier says.
Collier’s motivation for choosing his degree path also includes a personal connection to music and the therapy it provided him. When he was 12 years old, his father passed away unexpectedly, and music helped him.
“Music played a significant role in helping me cope during that difficult time,” Collier says.
Collier wants to use his love for music to improve other people’s lives. Whether it’s helping individuals cope with personal challenges, reducing stress or finding joy in music, Collier’s goal is to add a positive dimension to people’s lives through the therapeutic power of music.
As a musician, Collier brings a love for music to music therapy. He sings, plays guitar, and he is learning piano.
In the program, Wagner says, students undergo three semesters of practicum, providing them with hands-on experience under the supervision of music therapists during three to six-hour intervals. In addition, a six-month internship further equips students with the skills needed to excel in the field.
“Practicum is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in different areas and with various populations, allowing them to explore the wide range of clientele that can benefit from music therapy,” Wagner says.
Wagner says that the exposure gained from the practicum helps students find their niche and deeply understand their future clients’ needs.
Sorrell, recently started a practicum, working with children with developmental issues and autism.
“Seeing real-life music therapists in practice with the students and how positively they react to music therapy fueled my desire to pursue this,” Sorrell says.
Collier plans to work with children with neurodivergent conditions, such as trauma.
“Everyone’s got their trauma in their life. And I think it’s very tricky to approach and unwind certain traumas, but I think music is a great way that someone can do that,” Collier says.
Wagner says if music is an essential part of someone’s life, and there is a desire to use it for the well-being of others, pursuing music therapy as a major can be a fulfilling career path.
By Destene Savariau
