Meet Grace Dubrowski, Junior Music Therapy Major

Grace Dubrowski, junior music therapy major, from Lake Saint Louis, MO.

Grace attended St. Dominic High School, where she was active in the music and athletic programs. She plays numerous instruments, including clarinet. She enjoys running, composing, and spending time with family and friends. She is working as a student assistant Band Librarian, is a Student Ambassador for SMWC, and is Assistant Track Coach at South Vermillion High School.

What drew you to pursue music therapy as a major?

When I was in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study in college. I knew I wanted to be in a career where I helped people, so I began looking into all kinds of careers, from special education to massage therapy. I knew that music was my passion, but I also knew I didn't want to be a performance major. Around September of my senior year, I had finally settled on music education, but was still uneasy with my decision. One day I was talking to my mom about my future, and I said, "I wish there was a major where I could help people through music." I remember her looking at me and saying, "Have you considered music therapy?" I had never heard of this career and after researching it further, I knew that this was exactly the career I wanted.

Why did you decide to study music therapy at SMWC?

When I first visited the Woods, I was deciding between music therapy at SMWC and another institution. After visiting and talking to the music therapy faculty, I decided that the Woods was the right place for me for two main reasons: 1) I was guaranteed to receive individual attention with the small class sizes. I knew I would have the close classroom environment that I thrive in, both with faculty and my peers; and 2) I would be placed in the field (second semester of my first year) very early. For me, there is no better way to learn than hands-on learning. I wanted to "get my feet wet" as soon as possible, and I have already experienced three different clinical settings. The SMWC music therapy program has made me realize how much I love this career path!