What made you choose this major?
I always knew that I wanted to help people, but did not necessarily want to be a healthcare professional. In addition, I have had a love of music since I was very young and knew that I did not want to completely let that part of my life go. While searching for what I wanted to do in college, I happened to stumble upon music therapy and fell in love.
How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?
I have learned many skills that will prepare me for my future, such as good musical repertoire for different populations of clients. This has already helped me in my different field experiences that I have had; I have worked with mothers and newborns, and now am working with homeless adults at the Hope Center. These are vastly different populations which require very different song choices. I have used the knowledge I have gained from my Intro to Music Therapy course and various other courses to help me pick the right music to successfully help my clients.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
A few of my classes only have three people in them, including me. Part of this has to do with the fact that we are going to be the first graduating class in music therapy, but nevertheless we get an incredible amount of personal attention from the professors. One faculty member that I have gotten to work very closely with is my voice professor. He truly cares about my education and helping me to develop my voice to its full potential. I came in with no experience with voice lessons or choir whatsoever, and he has completely taken me under his wing and taught me that anyone can sing.
What’s one unique experience you’ve had relating to the coursework for your major?
The most unique experience I have had so far is our Intro to Rhythmic Movement professor bringing in people from the community to teach us different skills. We have had a yoga instructor, an Alexander Technique teacher and tai chi instructor in our lectures so far, and our professor is a certified Feldenkrais method practitioner himself. It’s very exciting to learn from people that really know what they’re talking about and who can offer a unique perspective on things that may be able to help us in our future careers. Plus, we get to experience hands-on the different techniques ourselves in the class.
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?
I’ve been a part of Da Capo, the music organization on campus, and ECO (Environmentally Conscious Organization) since coming to Carroll. These are unique opportunities where I get volunteer opportunities and educational experiences that I would not have in the classes for my major. I recently added a natural resources management minor as well. While it might be completely opposite of my music therapy major, the outdoors and environmental science has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to be able to learn more and have the opportunity to work in that field someday as well. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find a way to integrate both my major and minor together to provide a unique experience for my future clients.
If you were recommending your major to a prospective student, what would you tell them?
Don’t get discouraged! Stay on top of practicing your instruments and your studies. It gets very stressful, both in the classroom and the practice rooms, but it will all be worth it in the end when you get to use all the skills you learned to help your future clients.
Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?
I’m happy. I love the location of Carroll and the people here. The fellow students and the faculty are extremely welcoming and friendly.
Learn more about the Music Therapy program
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