Beth Deyermond,
MA, MT-BC has been a practicing music therapist for over 14 years. She is the Music Therapy Department Chair and
Internship Director at The Center for Discovery (TCFD) in Harris, NY. TCFD is a residential school for children and
adults with significant multiple disabilities and Autism Spectrum
Disorders. Beth is married and has two
children, Sophia (10) and James (7). She
graduated with her Masters of Arts in Music Therapy degree from SMWC in
December 2015.
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| Deyermond at December 2015 Commencement Receiving her MA in Music Therapy |
"What
drew you to SMWC for the MAMT Program?"
I had been a
practicing music therapist for twelve years before deciding to go back to school. During that time, I had experience with a
number of different programs and came to the conclusion it was important for me
to be a part of a program that worked with my familial and professional
responsibilities, and also one that resonated with my personal philosophy of
Music Therapy. The MAMT program at the
Woods fit that bill 100%. Even though it was very far away, and I knew it would
be difficult to be away from my family and from my job during the residencies,
the residency format allowed me a level of choice so that I could live my life
in the way I preferred and I needed (Besides, I am now an expert at air
travel!).
In addition to
the residency format, I would be remiss without saying I was particularly drawn
to the diversity of coursework and the caliber of professors teaching the
different courses. After finishing the
program, I can honestly say that my hopes and expectations in this area were
surpassed by far.
"How
did you balance your family life and work life while completing this
degree?"
Is it bad that I
laughed out loud when I read this question?
There were times during the program when I honestly didn’t know how I
was going to get it all done. Life
happens to all of us and it is constantly stretching us beyond our perceived
capabilities.
When I started
this program, I made a decision: family always came first. I did not want my kids to miss out on quality
time with their mother. I did not want
to miss a soccer game or a dance recital because of schoolwork. Because I made that a priority, I really had
to plan my time and use it in a focused way.
I said the word
“plan”. I will admit that I absolutely
love to plan. I love to make lists. I love to cross things off my lists. This very much came in handy during the
program. At the start of every semester,
I made a list of all of the assignments and when they were due. At the start of every week, I made a plan and
a timeline for what needed to get done each night and tried my hardest to stick
to that plan.
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| Family comes first! |
It was not
always easy. It was not always
pretty. It was not always “balanced”,
but I still made it through, and my kids were so proud of me. Knowing that is even better than the pride I
have in myself.
People have
often asked me why I supervise interns.
Isn’t it difficult? Doesn’t that take up a lot of time? Why do you accept
so many at once? (We currently have eight MT interns and four staff music therapists).
The answer to that is yes, it is difficult and yes, it takes up a lot of time,
but, with each intern, I learn as well.
I learn about myself. I learn new
clinical techniques. I learn how to be a
good and effective supervisor. I learn about being an ineffective and bad
supervisor. I learn about new music and new technologies.
It is for all of
these reasons I feel it is worth it. At
The Center for Discovery, we work using primarily clinical improvisation. I love challenging interns to think of their
session work in a music-centered manner.
I love the moment when an intern connects with an individual and you can
feel the electricity pulsing through the music. I love when an intern conquers
their fear of the piano. And, I love when an intern develops confidence in their
clinical abilities and in areas that may have been a struggle in the past.
So, the answer
is “yes”. Training interns is a lot of
work. But it has absolutely made me a
better therapist and a better supervisor overall. I hope to have the opportunity to do it for
many more years.
"What
did you like the most about the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Master of Arts
in Music Therapy Program?"
There are so
many positive experiences it is hard for me to pick just one! My immediate answer to this question is the
relationships that formed during this experience. With each incoming cohort, there is an
opportunity to create a bond that is uniquely special and strong. I was blessed
to enter and finish the program with eight of the most amazing, brilliant,
talented, and passionate women I have ever known.
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| A student's cohort provides needed support throughout the program. Pictured: Beth's cohort and fellow December 2015 graduates |
I also loved the
fact that the program reignited my love of learning. I will freely admit that I was not one to get
the Journal of Music Therapy or Music Therapy Perspectives journal and
sit down to read them cover-to-cover.
The program at SMWC helped inspire me to get back into reading current
literature and looking into a broader range of topics I knew would only enhance
my clinical and supervisory work.
"What
things did you learn at SMWC to help you further your clinical skills as a music
therapist?"
I think one of
the biggest things I learned from the MAMT program is a deeper understanding of
myself. Each class was challenging in its own way and
either taught me a new skill, or reminded me of a trait that is not always in
my personal forefront. Each skill
learned is something to translate into my clinical work...perseverance, trust,
patience, empathy, and confidence.
"What
is it like supervising interns (undergraduates) who come from the same school
as you?"
I don’t think
I’ve ever been asked this question! I’ve
supervised interns who went to the same undergraduate program as me, but I was
there long before they were, and the program has definitely evolved and changed
since then. That being said, I actually
did supervise a Woods student while I was in the MAMT program. It was nice because it gave us something to
talk about at the beginning of our supervisory relationship. It also provided
an instant connection both of us took pride in.
"What
would you like to let someone else know about your experience in the SMWC MAMT
program and its impact on your life?
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| Beth and her husband |
This experience
was one of the best decisions I have made. I can’t quite put my finger on it,
but there is something about the campus that pulls you in. From the moment you step on campus, you
become a part of something greater.
There is a history there that you become part of. There is pride in all aspects of the campus
and in all aspects of the program. The professors are not only brilliant, but are
also supportive and relatable. When you are done with the program, you
experience a sense of accomplishment that is absolutely incredible. I am so
very grateful for my experience at The Woods and all of the individuals who
helped me along the way!
Written by: Nathan
Mensah, senior music therapy major
Edited by: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Music Therapy
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For information about the SMWC Master of Arts in Music Therapy program, contact:
Dr. Tracy Richardson, MT-BC
Director of Master of Arts in Music Therapy Program
Chair of the Music and Theatre Department
(email) trichardson@smwc.edu
For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC
Coordinator of Undergraduate and Campus Music Therapy Programs
(email) sboyle@smwc.edu
For more information about the SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency-Distance (MTED) program, contact:
Larisa McHugh, MA, MT-BC
Coordinator of the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance Program
(email) lmchugh@smwc.edu.
